The Anthony and Sam Freedman stable is hoping a return to Bendigo may be the spark Groundswell is looking for to return to winning form.

At the corresponding Bendigo meeting 12 months ago, Groundswell took out a benchmark 90 grade race over 1400m and he returns to the track on Saturday to contest the Global Turf Handicap, this time a benchmark 100 grade race over the same trip.

The son of Fastnet Rock showed an abundance of ability as a three-year-old, finishing third in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington before losing his way as an autumn three-year-old.

Groundswell returned the following spring to win at Cranbourne and The Valley and Brad Taylor, the racing manager for the Freedman father-and-son stable, said the gelding’s victory last year at Bendigo sparked some good form from the now five-year-old.

Following the Bendigo win, Groundswell went on to win the Listed City Of Adelaide Handicap (1400m) at Morphettville before a trip to Brisbane saw him have two starts, finishing second in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap (1500m) at Eagle Farm in June.

He returned from that trip to defeat King Magnus over 1400m at Flemington in August before two unplaced outings ahead of a spell.

Taylor said the stable had been pleased with Groundswell’s two runs this campaign, finishing fifth first-up at Caulfield on January 26 before a last start fourth to Corner Pocket in the Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington last month.

“He’s going well,” Taylor said.

“He had a jump-out last week at Woolamai, just a tick over one, and he’s come through that in good order, but he’s a hard horse to catch.

“He’s got to get his own way in front, and if he does, he’s quite good, so hopefully the race will pan out his way on Saturday.”