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Racing

Benedetta glowing ahead of Kingsford Smith

Benedetta will chase a second Group 1 win when she lines up in the Kingsford Smith Cup.

Benedetta.
Benedetta. Picture: Colin Bull / Sportpix

Track conditions will play an important role for Benedetta when she chases a second Group 1 career victory. 

Successful in The Goodwood at Morphettville last year, Benedetta is chasing victory in the Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. 

Trainer Jason Warren specifically bypassed another shot at The Goodwood for three Group 1 sprints in Brisbane, however the mare was brought undone by a wet track in the Doomben 10,000 when finishing fourth under Jamie Melham on May 17. 

Melham has the ride on Benedetta again on Saturday. 

"Jamie went out looking for better ground," Warren said. 

"She scouted wide as she just wasn't handling the track. She was changing her galloping lead from left to right, her wheels were spinning, and she just couldn't get traction on that ground. 

"I think it was worse than a heavy 8 that it was rated. James McDonald came in after the first race and said it was a ten, and it deteriorated and broke up during the day. 

"Even on Tuesday, there was a very heavy dew overnight. Us Victorians, we are used to seeing wet tracks, but these are very wet. The ground is waterlogged up here. 

"They gave it out as a six and I would have said it was closer to an eight myself, but Eagle Farm is a good draining track, so if they don't get too much more rain it should improve." 

Warren took advantage of galloping Benedetta at Eagle Farm on the course proper on Tuesday morning having raced there just once previously when finishing midfield in last year's Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. 

The trainer said he did not see much of the gallop as it was very foggy. 

"I only really saw 50 metres of her work, but her recovery was excellent, and she has a really good healthy glow in her coat," Warren said. 

"She's in great shape for Saturday." 

Warren hopes to again start Benedetta in this year's Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) on June 14. 

After carrying 54kg in last year's contest, Benedetta has 53.5kg this year. 

"They've allocated her 53-½ kilos which is a delicious weight for her," Warren said. 

"She's very well weighted in that race and that will be her target should she run well on Saturday."


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