2023 Caulfield-Melbourne Cups double winner Without A Fight continuing training program geared towards Spring Carnival return

Without A Fight early this year sustained a minor tendon injury which required a long period of rehabilitation at noted tendon expert Lee Evison’s property, putting his spring campaign in jeopardy.

However, Sam Freedman said the stable still had plans to get Without A Fight back to the races during the rich spring period despite the import not having a saddle on his back in recent times.

“We’re hopeful to get him to big races, but there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge,” he said.

“But we’ve got some lofty targets and hopefully we can get there.

“The horse hasn’t been under saddle yet this preparation, which may come as a surprise.

“But he’s been on a strict treadmill program but we’ll probably start riding him next week.”

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Freedman said Without A Fight had a unique personality but remained a stable favourite.

“There was a bit of a buzz in the stable when he got off the truck from Lee Evison’s,” Freedman said.

“He’s a bit quirky, he’s a bit different and he’s a bit territorial in his box.

“He’s got his quirks but you put up with that when they’ve got the talent he’s got.

“We’ve got some really good staff that understand him.”

TAB has Without A Fight at $26 in both its Caulfield and Melbourne Cup markets.

On Saturday night, Without A Fight (66 votes) was named Victorian Racehorse of the Year from Imperatriz (60) and Pride Of Jenni (41).

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Anthony and Sam Freedman were feted for the Most Outstanding Training Performance (Without A Fight), while Sam also received the Colin Alderson Rising Star Award (best trainer under 40).

Originally published as 2023 Caulfield-Melbourne Cups double winner Without A Fight continuing training program geared towards Spring Carnival return