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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Michael Freedman has a small warning that consistent sprinter Time To Boogie may be in need of the run when he returns from an enforced break at Rosehill on Saturday but he’s quietly confident he'll see a positive comeback.

Trainer Michael Freedman (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The five-year-old has been on the sidelines since January having missed a preparation through illness then he developed a throat issue that required a tie-back operation.

Freedman said he’s been nothing but pleased with Time To Boogie since that procedure and is hopeful he can set up a campaign that can take him to stakes level in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1100m) despite drawing a wide barrier.

“His two trials have been great, he looks well,’’ he said.

“I’m sure whatever he can do on Saturday he will improve on just in fitness. I’ve found in the past he usually runs a good race first-up and continues to improve as the prep goes on.

“He seems in good order now so hopefully it’s onwards and upwards.

“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly which isn’t ideal but I’m very happy with him and I think he can run well first-up and hopefully that can set him up for a good summer.”

There is a short term target for Time To Boogie, $4 with TAB on Thursday, if he shows Freedman he’s come back as well as he looks to have and that’s the Listed Canterbury Sprint (1200m) on January 1.

He concedes the gelding will need a touch of luck to win his comeback race.

“In the back of my mind I have that race on New Year’s Day that I won with Insurrection as a possible target, subject to how he comes back,’’ he said.

“He’s the sort of horse that likes to roll forward and put himself up on speed, and Rachel (King) knows him well, it’s just always a little tricky from the 1100m start at Rosehill.”

The form guide would lead most to believe that Yiska is a bit on the hit and miss side – with five wins and no other placings from 13 starts – but Freedman said that may be a little unfair as he eyes a hat-trick in the Rosehill Bowling Club Handicap (1200m).

Yiska overcame a wide run to just hold off an unlucky Accredited, who confirmed that he was unlucky by coasting home at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, in a performance the trainer said was a little overlooked.

“He was by no means screwed right down for that run at Canterbury and he did a good job to get the bob in, obviously the favourite (Accredited) was unlucky but he did travel three and four deep,’’ he said.

“I think he was a bit stiff last prep, he won that last one at Rosehill but he was a bit unlucky in one or two others.

“On paper his form probably doesn’t read as well as it should but he’s a mature horse now.

Time To Boogie's latest trial at Randwick on November 26

“Early doors he was very hot and got himself worked up but he’s a lot more mentally mature now and he’s a pretty handy horse on his day.”

Freedman said Yiska is a much better horse on top of the ground so should have conditions to suit and he’ll drop 1.5kg on his first-up win after Zac Wadick’s claim.

“I think he’s in at the right time of year, the plan as always to have him back racing now so he can race through that Christmas/summer period,’’ he said.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Rosehill meeting