With Freedom Rally's impressive journey echoing that of stablemate Antino, Tony Gollan's rising star is poised to capture the spotlight, promising thrilling performances and exciting possibilities for the future of Australian racing.
As Tony Gollan’s stable gears up to capture attention with Antino’s imminent international appearance in Hong Kong, another horse is quietly emerging, ready to follow in his footsteps. This horse is Freedom Rally, an up-and-coming star who, even with the spotlight on Antino, is making a name for himself. His recent outings, 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 drawn parallels to Antino’s early career—underscoring the promise of Gollan’s newest contender.
With a third-place finish in the Prelude and a second-place result in the Five Diamonds, Freedom Rally has garnered $476,000 in prize money, pushing his career earnings past the $1 million threshold. This remarkable achievement is backed by seven wins and six minor placings from 20 starts, indicating that his two close losses in the Five Diamonds series are reflective of a horse that consistently competes at a high level. Although he hasn't secured a victory just 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, making a clear comparison between Freedom Rally and the trajectory of Antino. “If you examine his record, it closely resembles Antino’s at a similar point in their careers,” Gollan stated. “I’m not suggesting he is identical to Antino, but their journeys have been quite alike so far.”
The similarity is remarkable. Antino, a six-year-old with an impressive 50% win rate from 22 races and earnings exceeding $2 million, has been a foundational member of Gollan's stable for some time. His recent victory in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap, along with a close second place to Mr. Brightside in the Champions Mile at Flemington, has solidified his status among the top racehorses in Australia. Currently, Gollan is getting Antino ready for an international competition in Hong Kong—an opportunity that acknowledges his remarkable consistency.
As Freedom Rally's career continues to develop, the initial indications are highly encouraging. With a winning strike rate of 66% from six races—four of which he won—his potential is clear. Both Gollan and jockey Tommy Berry expressed genuine optimism regarding his performances in the Prelude and the Five Diamonds. Although he entered the latter as a $15 outsider, Freedom Rally showcased his qualities, with Gollan noting how narrowly he missed out on victory. “We had a lot of confidence going into the Diamonds,” Gollan remarked. “And even though we didn't secure the win, we were right in the mix, and with a bit more race pressure, the outcome could have been different.”
Freedom Rally is more than just a talented horse; he demonstrates resilience along with the ability to adapt and grow. His capability to travel effectively, as seen in his previous races, gives Gollan hope for his future endeavors. “Every time they’ve traveled, they’ve returned even stronger, and I anticipate the same progress from Freedom Rally as we move ahead,” Gollan remarked. “His recent performances have showcased his true 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 distinct vision for Freedom Rally. “I believe he is quite an accomplished miler who has the potential to extend his distance,” Gollan remarked. “I anticipate a busy year ahead for him in 2025.” While the comparisons to Antino highlight Freedom Rally's promise, it is evident that he is prepared to claim his own place in the spotlight—bringing along the expectation of an exciting future on the racetrack.
As Gollan’s stable flourishes, the gradual ascent of Freedom Rally has the potential to become one of the most captivating narratives in Australian racing in the coming years. His remarkable consistency, increasing self-assurance, and the expert guidance of his seasoned trainer suggest that Freedom Rally could soon be a prominent name among racing fans—particularly if he continues to emulate the swift rise of his fellow stablemate, Antino.
