Isthmus’ hopes of competing in a Group 1 event at Flemington have been put on hold due to surgery for an entrapped epiglottis. However, trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman remain optimistic about the mare’s chances of racing internationally.
Originally set to launch her autumn campaign in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday, Isthmus had to undergo a procedure on Monday instead.
The Freedman-trained mare took part in an 800m barrier trial along the Flemington straight last Friday, securing fourth place behind Traffic Warden in a heat stacked with Lightning Stakes hopefuls.
Although the surgery ruled her out of the Lightning Stakes, the stable is still considering the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in April, followed by a possible trip to Royal Ascot in June.
“The Sangster and Royal Ascot are still a possibility,” Sam Freedman confirmed.
“She had surgery on Monday. It’s gone well and she just needs two or three weeks to come right from that and she’ll be back working along as normal.”
Freedman indicated that Isthmus could make her return in the Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on March 29 as a lead-up to the Sangster Stakes four weeks later.
Isthmus is the second mare owned by Jonathan Munz under Freedman’s care to encounter a setback.
Right To Party, who finished runner-up in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, was recently retired after sustaining a career-ending injury.
“It seems to happen to the good ones, doesn’t it,” Freedman remarked.
Meanwhile, Freedman is hopeful for a successful return of Henlein, who is set to compete in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Henlein has not been seen on the track since finishing second to El Castello in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last October.
“He’s forward enough. He’s done enough work, and he’ll love Flemington,” Freedman said.