Bedford’s six-length win was a pleasant surprise for trainer Anthony Freedman at Caulfield on Wednesday.

The New Zealand-bred Bedford has taken time to mature but convinced Freedman to give him a crack at harder races with his dominant win in the Ladbrokes Up For The Challenge Handicap (2000m).

Freedman said giving Bedford plenty of galloping room was the key to his dynamic Caulfield win after the son of Tavistock didn’t have too much room when third at his previous start at Flemington on New Year’s Day.

Mark Zahra brought Bedford down the middle of the track to score easily over Eureka Street and the $2.50 favourite Silent General.

“He was obviously impressive,” Freedman said.

“He didn’t get a lot of room the other day and he’s probably a horse that appreciates a wider run in his races and that’s what he got today.

“He’s coming on and probably surprised us a bit today. We’ll go to a better race and see how he stacks up.

“Today was a (Benchmark) 70 and I thought he was better than that but going on today, with a bit more maturity, he might get to a nice level.”