Trainer Glen Thompson has his sights firmly set on the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes for Benagil this spring.
The Australasian Oaks winner is nearing the end of a Queensland spell and is set to resume work shortly.
Benagil stormed to victory in Adelaide before enduring tough luck in two Queensland runs, most recently finishing a closing third in the G1 Queensland Oaks.
“She’ll have two jumpouts heading into probably the Weekend Hussler at Caulfield,” Thompson told RSN.
“It’s just the right timing, sort of three weeks out from the Empire Rose, which will be her main goal for the spring.”
The daughter of Manhattan Rain was being aimed at the Q22 but was sent to the paddock following a minor injury.
She’s expected to return to Flemington in early August after time on the treadmill in Queensland.
“She’s really thrived on her racing and definitely hasn’t taken a backwards step all preparation,” Thompson said.
