Trainer John Sadler is banking on experience down the straight proving beneficial when Befuddle heads to Flemington.
Befuddle runs in the HKJC World Pool Trophy (1100m) on Saturday, her second start in 11 months.
Sadler explained the daughter of Hanseatic did not come up in the spring, but he was delighted with the filly’s performance when fourth at Caulfield Heath on February 9 when resuming.
“For a horse that had been off the scene for a long time, she ran very well at Caulfield Heath,” Sadler said.
“She got very tired late, but they did run along, and she led them up and there were some quick horses in that race.
“We got her to the trial stage in the spring, but she just didn’t come up, so I tipped her out.
“There were no lameness issues or anything like that, she just didn’t look right.
“I’m happy with how she’s going but I still think she might be one race away, however I’m expecting her to run really well.”
Befuddle has been down the straight twice previously.
At her first outing Befuddle finished sixth to Tentyris in the Talindert Stakes (1100m), while three starts later she finished third in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m), her last start before her return earlier this month.
“Before we figured out to let her stride, she was held up in the Talindert behind Tentyris where she over-raced shockingly,” Sadler said.
“Her run was actually a hell of a lot better than what it looks on paper.
“She came out a start later and led all-the-way at Moonee Valley and then went to Caulfield and ran second in The Showdown.
“I’ve always had a better opinion of her than what the market suggests and I hope I turn out to be right.”
The younger half-brother to Befuddle, The Troubleshooter, by I Am Immortal, will make his debut at Flemington on Saturday in the Listed TAB We’re On (1000m).
Sadler said The Troubleshooter was handy two-year-old that had been well schooled.
“He’s ready to run well, but it will depend on the others and how he handles the straight at his first start,” Sadler said.
