Freedman bids for Sphenophyta

Hall of fame trainer Lee Freedman has put together a syndicate to buy promising Kiwi stayer Sphenophyta in a bid to win the Melbourne Cup for a third successive year.

Trained by Richard Otto, Sphenophyta was one of the stars of the Brisbane winter carnival after his slashing win in the Listed Ipswich Cup before finishing second in the Caloundra Cup.

Otto has confirmed Sphenophyta will undergo a veterinary examination before a 60% share will be sold for $NZ600,000 with Otto and his partner retaining the other 40% ownership in the Groom Dancer gelding.

Sphenophyta, a six-year-old, has recorded four wins and three seconds from nine career starts.

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