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Gold Bracelet first of two big tests in April for in-form Freedman mare
Sam Freedman knows Fire Of Etna's second racing campaign must come to an end soon, but he is confident the stable can keep her firing until the end of the month.
Freedman and his training partner, father Anthony Freedman, have two more races in mind for the in-form four-year-old daughter of Rebel Raider.
The first is this Saturday's $150,000 Bendigo Gold Bracelet (1400m), which will be followed by the $175,000 VOBIS Gold Distaff (1400m) at Caulfield on April 27.
They will be the toughest races Fire Of Etna has contested in a campaign that started before Christmas, but Freedman has no reason to think she shouldn't again run well as she chases a winning hat-trick.
"It's another step up on Saturday but she's fit and well and puts herself on the speed, so she should run well.
"She's been in a long time now, but every time we raise the bar she steps up."
Fire Of Etna has drawn barrier 10 in the 13-horse Gold Bracelet, in which she will be ridden by Luke Currie, who has ridden Fire Of Etna at her past four runs.
Craig Williams was aboard when the campaign started at Seymour on December 21, when Fire Of Etna won a 0-64 over 1414m.
She was down the track second-up at Flemington on January 13 under Daniel Moor, before a second placing at The Valley two weeks later and a third placing as an odds-on favourite at the same track on February 23.
Her two starts since have generated a benchmark 64 win at Sandown on March 6 and victory at the strong Good Friday meeting at Yarra Valley.
"Her only blip was that run at the Valley, when she was $1.60, but I think that was trainer error," Freedman said.
"We went a month between runs without a trial and she just knocked up. We just had to admit that after, because she then she bounced back and won 10 days later.
"We've got eyes on that VOBIS mares race on the 27th and this ties her over for that."
Fire Of Etna is a $14 chance in Gold Bracelet betting, which is headed by Belle Et Riche ($4.20) from Lady Jones ($5) and Sirileo Miss ($6.50).
