By Craig Kerry

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A patient approach with his star fillies has served Michael Freedman well, and he has little interest in changing that, even with Everest spots up for grabs.

The Randwick trainer is set to bring back Golden Slipper winner Marhoona in the group 2 Shorts (1100m) on Saturday, a key lead up to the 1200m $20 million Everest on October 18, but he is also open to waiting a week for other races.

Freedman also has Apocalyptic racing on Saturday’s Randwick card, where she is set to step up from a return win in the group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) to the 1400m Tea Rose Stakes, the next leg of the Princess Series for three-year-old fillies.

Both are $34 (Sportsbet) for the Everest in early markets as slot-holders search for the best remaining options. Seven of the 12-strong field have been chosen, including Joliestar, Briasa and Private Harry, which all resume in the Shorts.