Cambridge Stud’s late stallion Tavistock may have been a Champion New Zealand Sprinter, but his progeny have proven his versatility as a sire, with Bedford claiming victory in Sunday’s Brendan Drechsler Hurdle (3500m) at Pakenham.

A rising 10-year-old, the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Bedford has won three of his four starts over the fences, the latest making it back-to-back wins after taking out a IJW Restricted Handicap Hurdle (3200m) at Warrnambool a fortnight ago.

The promising gelding’s win at the iconic Victorian venue rewarded his heavy pre-race favouritism, with jockey Tom Ryan driving him towards the post to defeat proven hurdling types including Instigator, Saunter Boy and Bell Ex One.

“He is exciting, he’s a big horse as well so I’d say he wouldn’t have any problem jumping a fence,” Ryan said to Racing.com.

“It’s an honour to ride a winner for the Freedman’s in these colours.”

Bedford is the sole jumper in the successful Flemington-based Freedman stable, and was purchased under the Freedman Racing banner for $320,000 out of Brighthill Farm’s 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale draft.

His dam Dastaria was a four-time winner over middle distances, a record emulated by Bedford who has now recorded 10 wins, six at 2000m or further.