Freedom considered for Ascot

David Lanigan could have a Royal Ascot runner in his first season through his interesting import New Freedom, whom he hopes to have out for the first time within the next fortnight.

The seven-year-old was Group-placed in his native Brazil before running a number of times in Dubai last winter, winning a handicap and winding up with fifth behind Benny The Bull in the Dubai Golden Shaheen.

He has moved from the care of Dhruba Selvaratnam to Newmarket-based Lanigan, who enjoyed victory with his first and only runner this campaign.

“We were toying with the idea of running in the Vodafone Dash at Epsom but will probably run in a handicap or a Listed race at Kempton or York,” said Lanigan.

“One is on the 31st and one on June 4. Then he’ll definitely run in the Wokingham and if he gets on well there, we can step him up in grade.”

New Freedom has been entered in the Darley July Cup, and Lanigan continued: “He had a bit of time off after coming over from Dubai and will come on for the run but is a fantastic horse – I’m very lucky to have him.

“Sprinters come in and out of form and hopefully he’ll pick up a good race along the way.

“His form in Brazil says he ran well on soft ground but we feel he needs it faster.”

Lanigan, who spent his most recent apprenticeship as Henry Cecil’s assistant trainer, is taking his time but has already attracted some high-profile owners.

“Our string is 95% two-year-olds and if you want to make a name for yourself you don’t want to rush them,” he said.

“We hope they will make better three-year-olds. We have a lot of fillies and the weather has not helped but I’d like to get some of the colts out in the next month or so.”