The original target of the Doncaster Mile for Attrition, trained by Mitchell Freedman, had to be diverted after the four-year-old encountered a setback following his first-up run in February.
Consequently, Attrition is now slated to compete in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
A sprained fetlock sustained during a disappointing performance in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 24 necessitated a period of recuperation.
Freedman attributed the injury to the track conditions that day, lamenting the scheduling of high-profile races late in the day.
He voiced his concerns to RSN, stating, “I think running ten races and running your good horses as race eight, nine, ten of the day is not the way to play it. I would like to see those days reduced in the number of races run.”
Freedman continued, expressing disappointment over the track's deterioration, noting, “The Caulfield track presented in great shape that day. It had good give in it, but after a number of horses had galloped over it, it presented a bit rough, and I think that may have been the reason he sprained a joint.”
Assessing Attrition's upcoming race, Freedman outlined plans for a conservative approach, stating, “We'll be riding him to be hitting the line. We won't be putting any pressure on him in the first furlong or two, and we just want to see him rounding it off. That will be a big tick going forward and then we can work out our plans going forward from there.”
Beau Mertens is set to ride Attrition, who will revert to his typical racing style of being ridden off the pace from barrier nine in the 12-runner field.