Plein Ciel wins Easter Cup at Caulfield

Just how far Plein Ciel proceeds in his first campaign for Anthony Freedman will be decided after a recovery session at the stable’s Pinecliff base.

A former member of the Darren Weir stable, Plein Ciel joined Freedman’s Flemington yard to start his current campaign.

A lot of work has gone into getting Plein Ciel to relax and Freedman said the German import presented the best he has for the campaign in Saturday’s Group Three Easter Cup (2000m) at Caulfield.

Ridden by Craig Williams, Plein Ciel was sent off the $3.30 favourite before defeating Furrion ($9) by a length with Morton’s Fork ($14) a long-neck away third.

“He would get quite hot at the races but he’s started to settle down each run and today was the best he’s presented I thought,” Freedman said.

“He’s worked it all out now, so we’ll see where that leads us.”

Freedman said Plein Ciel would head to Pinecliff for some recovery time before a plan is put in place.

“I think he’s running out of races in Melbourne and I don’t think there’s a lot for him in Adelaide, so it’s probably Brisbane or a rest and we’ll make a call on that in a week or so,” Freedman said.

Plein Ciel had his price cut from $26 to $15 for the Group One Doomben Cup on May 18 after Saturday’s win.

“He’s a good honest horse that was in his right grade today,” Freedman said.

“He got a lovely run and we probably dodged a bullet on the corner (when Magnapal went amiss) and then he was strong all the way to the line.

“All his runs have been good and I thought he was ready for the 2000 metres.”

Williams entered Saturday’s race confident with his one concern being whether Plein Ciel could back up after finishing third at Caulfield last week.

“He’s got great form. He’s a winner,” Williams said.

“The only question mark I had coming into the race was the seven-day back-up which he had never done before.

“I was confident he could deliver from a very good barrier draw and we had a lovely run.”