In-form mare Chaste will carry additional cargo on two fronts when she attempts to win Friday’s Aberdeen Cup, the second leg of the Muswellbrook Carnival of Cups.
Prepared by Greg Bennett at Scone, Chaste backs up in the $15,000 1450m feature after winning the Denman Cup (1280m) at Muswellbrook on October 2.
The additional cargo includes a 4.5kg weight rise, a major bone of contention for Bennett, and it has been confirmed Chaste, by Lonhro, is in foal to 2005 Golden Slipper winner Stratum.
“She was covered the day before she raced in the Denman Cup,” Bennett said.
“She’s blooming.
“I’ve had a bit of luck racing mares in foal and Chaste has done really good since winning last start.
“She looks a treat, terrific, and there’s a bit of incentive for us to win again tomorrow then on to the Muswellbrook Cup.”
Chaste, owned by Scone Race Club committeeman Peter Townsend and raced on lease by a group of friends, rises to 58kg less apprentice Rachael Murray’s 1.5kg claim tomorrow.
“She’s been slaughtered at the weights,” Bennett said.
“She went up eight rating points for winning last start.
“I just can’t work it out. She’s been harshly treated at the weights.”
Despite the additional impost Bennett, the man who broke in turf immortal Makybe Diva, is confident of a strong showing.
“It’s only a small field and she’s drawn well (barrier three),” Bennett said.
“Weight aside, I’m happy with where she’s at.
“Her recent form’s been good and she’s trained on good.”
Last start Chaste led from the outset, with Bennett predicting the mare will take up a similar role on Friday.
“She’s happy bowling along up front,” he said.
“I think we’ll employ similar tactics. Let her roll along and try and get away with some cheap sectionals.”
Chaste has seven wins from 23 starts and while the mare hasn’t won beyond 1280m, Bennett is confident the distance won’t prove her downfall.
The Aberdeen Cup attracted a disappointing field of only five runners.
AAP TURF
