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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Michael Freedman says the equation for Highness is a simple one as he heads to Wyong on Wednesday and that is to prove he can be a factor in next month’s Magic Millions.

Trainer Michael Freedman (Pic: Bradley Photos).

And with a formidable opponent in the shape of Spywire in the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2yo Classic (1100m) it’s a prime chance for the colt to put himself in the picture.

“Spywire the benchmark going into the race,’’ Freedman said.

“Apart from getting the prizemoney to qualify, realistically if you’re going to be competitive in a Magic Millions you’d want to be competitive on Wednesday.”

Highness, $6.50 with TAB on Tuesday, debuted in the Breeders’ Plate at the end of September and while he finished sixth, beaten 1.8 lengths by Espionage, it was a run that Freedman saw plenty of merit in. On two fronts.

He said the colt, though he trialled well leading in, was “a little doughy’’ in condition and always felt he’d develop with time. Plus, he raced three wide on the speed so didn’t exactly have an easy run.

“He had a month off after the Breeders’ Plate where I thought he ran really well,’’ he said.

“He got caught wide up on speed all the way and I thought he stuck on well under the circumstances.

“He went into that race a little doughy in condition. Since he’s had the break and come back he looks more like a racehorse and less like a chubby kid.

“I think his work is reflecting that so he’s a much improved article this time around.”

Tommy Berry rides Highness at Wyong and he was also on board in his Newcastle trial win at the end of November.

“I thought it was a nice trial and he’s come on from it, he goes into that race nicely set up,’’ Freedman said.

“Hopefully he can run well and keep himself in the mix for the Magic Millions.”

Meanwhile, Gimcrack Stakes winner Manaal is starting to ramp up her work as Freedman aims her at the 2024 $5 million Golden Slipper in March.

The filly, currently $51 in Slipper betting, is likely have her first trial early in the new year ahead of a potential return in the Group 3 Widden Stakes (1100m) on February 3.

“She had nearly seven weeks off and she’s come back in a more mature horse,’’ he said.

“She’s quite a precocious type so she lends herself to that race and she’s a homebred so she’s not eligible for the sales races. If she’s good enough she’ll find her way into the Slipper.”

Time To Boogie pleased Freedman winning a 740m trial at Randwick on Monday and he’s likely to take his place in a Benchmark 78 over 1000m this weekend.

Highness wins a Newcastle trial on November 30

Freedman said it was always the plan to have a short trial and back up and sees no reason why the gelding won’t be competitive after coming through the grades strongly last preparation.

“If he has a good week then I can’t see any reason why he won’t front up,’’ he said.

“It’s a nice option for him on paper. I think he’s come back in good order and both his trials have been good.”

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday’s Wyong meeting