"Freedom Rally: Rising Star in Gollan's Racing Stable"
"Emerging from Tony Gollan's stable, Freedom Rally is the rising star of Australian racing, matching the trajectory of stablemate Antino and poised for a bright future with impressive performances and potential waiting to unfold."
As Tony Gollan's stable gets ready to capture attention with Antino's forthcoming international trip to Hong Kong, another horse is quietly making its mark, ready to follow in Antino's footsteps. This horse is Freedom Rally, an emerging talent who, while the focus remains on Antino, is steadily establishing his own reputation. His recent performances, particularly in the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude and the $2 million Five Diamonds, have not only garnered him significant prize money but have also led to comparisons with Antino's early career—underscoring the potential of Gollan's latest contender.
With a third-place finish in the Prelude, followed by a second-place finish in the Five Diamonds, Freedom Rally has garnered $476,000 in prize money, pushing his career earnings beyond the $1 million milestone. This remarkable achievement is supported by seven wins and six minor placings out of 20 starts, illustrating that his two close defeats in the Five Diamonds series highlight a horse that is consistently competing at the highest level. Although he hasn't secured a victory yet, it's clear that Freedom Rally is on the brink of greater success.
Gollan is optimistic about the prospects of the five-year-old gelding, highlighting the parallels between Freedom Rally and Antino's career paths. "If you examine his record, it closely resembles Antino's at a comparable point in their careers," Gollan noted. "I'm not claiming he's precisely like Antino, but their journeys to this point have striking similarities."
The comparison is indeed noteworthy. Antino, who is currently six years old, boasts an impressive 50% win rate across 22 starts and has earned over $2 million. He has been a key figure in Gollan's stable for some time. His recent victory in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap, followed by a close second place to Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile at Flemington, has solidified his status among the top racehorses in Australia. Gollan is now getting Antino ready for an international challenge in Hong Kong—an opportunity that highlights his continued excellence.
Although Freedom Rally's career is still in its early stages, the initial indicators are promising. He has achieved a 66% winning rate after six races, securing four victories, which showcases his immense potential. His performances in both the Prelude and Five Diamonds inspired genuine optimism from trainer Gollan and jockey Tommy Berry. Even though he entered the latter as a $15 outsider, Freedom Rally's performance highlighted his caliber, prompting Gollan to reflect on how narrowly the horse missed out on top honors. "We felt really confident going into the Diamonds," Gollan remarked. "And while we didn’t win, we were right in the mix, and with a bit more race pressure, we might have been discussing a different outcome."
Freedom Rally is more than just a talented horse; he demonstrates resilience and a remarkable ability to adapt and grow. His capacity to travel well, as evidenced by his previous performances, has filled Gollan with optimism regarding his future. “Every time they’ve traveled, they’ve returned stronger, and I expect the same from Freedom Rally as we look ahead,” Gollan remarked. “His last two performances have clearly showcased his potential, and we plan to take him to Melbourne in the autumn, although we are still working out the specifics.”
As we look toward 2025, Gollan has a definite plan for Freedom Rally. “I believe he’s an excellent miler who can also handle longer distances,” Gollan remarked. “I intend to keep him quite active in 2025.” While the comparisons to Antino highlight the horse's potential, it is evident that Freedom Rally is poised to emerge from the shadows, bringing with him the excitement of a promising future on the racetrack.
As Gollan's stable flourishes, Freedom Rally's gradual ascent has the potential to become one of the most captivating narratives in Australian racing in the upcoming years. With his remarkable consistency, increasing self-assurance, and the strategic mentorship of his seasoned trainer, Freedom Rally could soon be a name recognized by racing fans everywhere—particularly if he continues to reflect the rapid rise of his stable companion Antino.
