Trainer Jason Warren and the connections of Benedetta are weighing up future plans for the mare, which will become clearer after her run in a Group 1 sprint at Moonee Valley this weekend.

Benedetta will make her debut at Moonee Valley in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, following an encouraging gallop at the track on Tuesday.

The mare is one of nine acceptors for the race, with barriers to be drawn at 5.15pm on Tuesday.

Warren said Benedetta’s performance on Saturday will play a key role in determining her next steps.

“Her effort here on Saturday will likely decide which direction we take,” Warren said.

“Essentially, we have three options.

“One is to head to Sydney for the T J Smith, the second is to freshen up and target the Sangster in Adelaide, and the third is to travel to England.

“They’ve significantly increased the prize money for races over there, especially for horses that travel, making it a much more lucrative option.

“When you travel halfway across the world for races that offer less value than here, it doesn’t make sense, but with the added incentives, it’s worth considering.

“However, traveling to England would effectively rule out the spring carnival, so there’s a lot to think about. If she wins on Saturday, I’d say the connections would lean toward running in the T J.

“For now, we’ll focus on Saturday and see how things unfold.”

While Benedetta has yet to race at Moonee Valley, she has had experience at the track.

Warren gave her a gallop at the venue two years ago in preparation for the William Reid Stakes but ultimately decided against running the then three-year-old in the Group 1 sprint.

Now, as an older and more experienced mare with a Group 1 win to her name, Warren is confident about returning to the track, provided luck is on her side.

First-up this preparation, Benedetta finished third in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), followed by a tenth-place finish in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m).

Both races were held on the Flemington straight course, where Benedetta drew inside barriers.

“The Newmarket, second-up, was our target, and we felt the Lightning was the perfect starting point for her,” Warren said.

“In the Lightning, we drew the inside barrier, which wasn’t ideal, and it forced us to stick to the inside.

“She ran gamely, but horses rarely win when they’re forced to the inside.

“Ben (Melham) tried a different approach in the Newmarket to overcome the barrier, but despite planning to ride her more conservatively, he got caught in traffic.

“It was a complete mess—a non-event for what was an achievable Group 1. It was a tough result to accept.

“She’s had a good two-week break since and is in excellent condition.”

Daniel Stackhouse will return to the saddle on Saturday.