In racing circles, Glen Thompson has been a journeyman.
He has worked as an assistant trainer with Michael Freedman in Singapore, his brother John Thompson and had a go at training in his own right based in Queensland last decade.
More recently he was the assistant trainer for Mike Moroney before joining him in a training partnership at the start of the current season, only to be thrust into limelight when Moroney passed away in February.
Thompson registered his biggest success when Bankers Choice took out the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on April 19 and is looking to top that when he saddles Benagil in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Benagil is the $4 favourite in early markets to give Thompson his biggest victory, and the filly has the form credentials to give the race a shake.
A veteran of nine starts, Benagil was successful at her first two outings and tackled some of the better filly’s races through the spring.
But Benagil’s autumn campaign has gone to a new level.
Benagil rounded up the three-year-olds to win over 1600m at Caulfield before she went to Rosehill and chased home dual Oaks winning filly Treasurethe Moment in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on April 1.
Thompson considered staying in Sydney for the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) and tackling Treasurethe Moment, but felt Saturday’s Australasian Oaks was a better fit.
“That’s one of the main reasons we dodged Sydney and looked at (hopefully) this easier option and it’s her chance to win a Group 1,” Thompson said.
“And watching the race the other day, I think we’ve made the right call.”
Since being back in Melbourne ahead of travelling to Adelaide, Benagil has put on weight and had had a tick-over jump-out to keep her up to the mark.
“You wouldn’t know she had had the trip away to Sydney,” Thompson said.
“It will be a month between runs, so she had a jump-out last week to get her ready.
“She’s straightforward to train. She’s got a great attitude, and I wish they were all like her.”
