The Group One Coolmore Classic will be the autumn carnival target for Bennetta after her dominant win in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares Handicap.
Despite being shunted wide on the home turn, Bennetta surged clear in the final 100m under the urgings of James McDonald to win by 2-1/4 lengths.
Bennetta winning the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap - Photo by Steve Hart
Trainer Grahame Begg believes Bennetta, who was heavily backed from $3.40 into $2.80 favouritism, is capable of measuring up to some ambitious autumn goals.
“She’ll be in the paddock on Monday but I really feel a race like the Coolmore Classic will be ideal for her,” he said.
“I really think there are bigger things in store for her.
“She’s not your typical jump-and-run type by General Nediym and I really feel the 1500 metres of the Coolmore will be perfect for her with a light weight on her back.”
Begg was hoping to start Bennetta in the Magic Millions Guineas but the filly was only an emergency and missed a start.
“It was only her fifth run today and on facts and figures she wasn’t well in under these conditions against older mares,” he said.
“But we’ve always had high expectations of her and she’s certainly a filly on the rise with the acceleration she shows.”
Trainer Liam Birchley is glad he took the advice of owner Fergus Doyle after Shamrock Slipper scored a boilover win in the Magic Millions Sprint.
“She’s just come out of restricted company and I thought they might be a bit good for her but it was the owner’s call and he was keen for her to run,” Birchley said.
