Trainer Glen Thompson endured a frustrating watch during The Roses (2000m), but he remains confident that his filly Benagil can bounce back in the Queensland Oaks (2200m).
The Group 1 winner had a rough run at Doomben, having to be steadied early and then boxed in at the home turn. When she did find a run, she was checked by a weakening horse and ultimately finished 10th, well behind winner Philia.
“It was an absolute disaster,” Thompson said.
“She copped it a fair bit. She came back with cuts all over her legs so it wasn’t what she needed two weeks before an Oaks.
“But she seems to be really well now. She had a gallop (Saturday) morning. She seems nice and bright and she’s on track.”
Thompson believes that the wider expanses of Eagle Farm will be much more suitable for Benagil than the tighter Doomben track.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to Eagle Farm,” Thompson said.
“Mark was very confident she’d be a completely different horse over the road. She’s just going to need a bit more luck.”
Benagil was rated a $5.50 betting chance on Friday, second favourite behind Philia at $4.20.
Saturday’s program at Eagle Farm also features the rescheduled Queensland Derby (2400m), postponed due to last weekend’s wet weather.
Statuario, who finished runner-up in the South Australian Derby, heads the market at $6 in what looks an open betting affair.