Gudinski galloper homes in

TRAINER Sam Freedman cannot split a strong threepronged Australian Cup (2000m) hand, including Homesman, part-owned by the late music industry great Michael Gudinski.

Freedman has Steel Prince, Homesman and Warning all “fit and primed” for the $1.5m Flemington Super Saturday feature, with Jamie Kah, Jye McNeil and Damien Oliver engaged to ride the trio.

Homesman and Steel Prince were gallant in defeat behind Paradee in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes, while Warning has not raced since the Melbourne Cup.

“It’s hard to split all of them,” said Freedman, who trains in partnership with father Anthony.

“Steel Prince might be a little bit better at (2400m) … he‘s such a genuine racehorse that if he hits the front at any stage he’s very hard to get past, so I think we’ll try our hand and go forward on him.”

Freedman said a Homesman triumph would be emotion-charged after Gudinski’s sudden passing.

“I didn’t know him personally but he was a big supporter of the stable from the ’90s onwards,” Freedman said.

“He’s obviously had a good affiliation with Nick and Lloyd (Williams), obviously a very close friendship, it’d be very fitting if Homesman could capture that Group 1 on Saturday.”

NEWMARKET Handicap contender Celebrity Queen must pass a veterinary inspection on Saturday morning to contest the Group 1 sprint.

Trainer Grant Williams said the mare was “slightly short in her action” on Thursday.

Celebrity Queen and Sirius Suspect are $13 equal third favourites for the Newmarket behind fillies September Run ($2.15) and Swats That ($7.50).