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By Ray Hickson

They often say barriers win races and Michael Freedman would say that’s a key factor which has seen Manaal be in a position to notch a hat-trick at Randwick on Saturday.

Trainer Michael Freedman

Freedman knows Manaal’s strengths and he says her wins in the Sheraco and Golden Pendant show what she can do when he’s allowed to use them.

And when he saw the barrier draw for the Group 2 $2 million The Invitation (1400m) he said jockey Tommy Berry will be able to give the four-year-old the opportunity to make it three straight.

“The barrier gods have been smiling on us this time around,’’ Freedman said.

“When you can get her into the right spot with some cover it helps her with that turn of foot she’s got.

"When she has to be exposed or lead, which was the case last prep with bad draws, it takes away her finish.

“It allows Tommy to pretty much ride the race he wants to ride. It gives her the best chance and if she’s good enough she’s good enough.”

Manaal, $4.40 with TAB on Thursday, has been performing at a high level right from her Gimcrack Stakes win on debut and Freedman said it’s great to see her sustaining her preparation.

She’s won six from 15 including a Group 1 as a two-year-old in the Sires’ and Freedman would like to think she has plenty more wins left in the tank.

“We purposely gave her a light spring last year and we pulled up stumps relatively early, with the view of extending into her four-year-old year so it’s nice to have her performing well,’’ he said.

“It’s great for Hussein Lootah and Emirates because he’s been keen to have a few of his horses race on as four-year-olds.”

They’re only four once so could Manaal back up in Saturday week’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m)?

Freedman said it’s all contingent on how she performs in the Invitation first then how she comes through the race.

“If she was to be able to run well and pull up well we may look at having a crack,’’ he said.

“It’s a lucrative race for four-year-olds, we get through Saturday and see how she goes and more importantly how she pulls up.

“It’s 1500m on her home track so you certainly have to give it some thought.”

San Giovanni is Freedman’s runner in the Group 1 $2 million Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and he says he deserves a shot after his placing in the Gloaming two weeks ago.

The gelding has only raced five times for two wins and from a favourable draw he’d like to think he can be competitive.

“He ran a really good race against the older horses then backed up 10 days later into the Gloaming and his run was full of merit,’’ Freedman said.

“It gives me the impression the 2000m will suit, he’s drawn a nice gate which should allow Andy (Adkins) to have him wherever he wants him. I think my bloke can run well.”

Manaal wins the Golden Pendant on September 27

Michael Freedman on Pallaton (race 5): “I thought his run in the Roman Consul was pretty meritorious given he was posted three deep with no cover and he was still there half way up the running. I couldn’t be happier with the horse, his work has been terrific but it’s an awkward barrier to try and work out where we get to.”

On Ohope & Ruination (race 7): “They’re both very progressive three-year-olds. Ohope hasn’t done anything wrong all preparation, the win at Rosehill the other day was very good. I thought he was strong through the line and he gave me every indication the mile will suit him. Ruination has had the very good run over the mile the other day beaten by the horse that’s one of the favourites for the Spring Champion.”

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