Racing
Benagil’s tricky step to another Oaks
Course caveat as Australasian Oaks winner turns her sights on Queensland.
Only three fillies have succeeded to win The Roses and Queensland Oaks double since the Oaks lead-up at Doomben was introduced in 1996, while only one has achieved both the Australasian Oaks and Roses victories - and for that you have to go all the way back to 1999.
Even more significant for Benagil at Doomben on Saturday, no filly has snared the treble as the Morphettville to Doomben path is one not often taken.
So a new historic mark lies before the Glen Thompson-trained three-year-old as she takes her place as $3.10 favourite for the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) en-route to the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) on June 7.
Despite being the only competitor to finish within two-lengths of hot filly Treasurethe Moment in the Group 1 Vinery Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill in March, she was still went off as a better than 2-1 chance in the Morphettville feature where she was successful on May 3, and nearly mirrors those odds again this weekend.
"I was really happy with the way she pulled up after her Adelaid win," Thompson said.
"We went to Caulfield Heath last week to replicate the lead-up to the Oaks (in Adelaide) before going to Brisbane."
"We wanted to get Mark (Zahra) on her back again just to see where thought she was at and as long he was as happy as he was in Adelaide, and he gave her the tick of approval then we were good to go."
That 1000-metre jump out on Caulfield's inner circuit on May 15 had none of the rivals Benagil will face on Saturday in it, but the work out suited her connections.
"Doomben will be tricky as it is a track that may not suit her," Thompson added.
"She is drawn ordinarily in barrier 16 so she is going to get back a fair way.
"She'll need things to go her way from the gate but most of the other main chances are drawn out there with her.
"Eagle Farm will suit her a lot better in a fortnight but in Adelaide it was good to see her do what we thought she could do."
Of the others in the market, the David Vandyke-trained Phillia is on the second line of betting at $5 and is shooting for four-wins in succession after taking out the Listed Princess Stakes at Doomben on April 26, while Australasian Oaks third placed Polymnia is at $6.
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