Benagil is on the verge of creating history as she lines up for the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on Saturday, with the Queensland Oaks firmly in her sights next month. The Glen Thompson-trained filly is looking to complete a rare treble that has never been achieved — wins in the Australasian Oaks, The Roses, and the Queensland Oaks (2400m).
Despite being the only filly to finish within two lengths of the impressive Treasurethe Moment in the Vinery Stakes (2000m), Benagil was allowed to start at generous odds in the Australasian Oaks, which she won in fine style. She now steps into Saturday’s race as the $3.10 favourite.
“She came through the Adelaide win beautifully,” said Thompson. “We gave her a jumpout at Caulfield to mirror the same prep she had before the Oaks and got the tick of approval from Mark Zahra again.”
While the 1000m hit-out helped fine-tune Benagil, a wide barrier in 16 adds a new hurdle.
“Doomben might not be ideal, especially from the gate, but most of the favoured runners are out wide too,” Thompson noted. “The bigger track at Eagle Farm in the Oaks will suit her a lot better.”
Phillia, trained by David Vandyke, is the $5 second pick after winning the Princess Stakes, while Polymnia — third in the Australasian Oaks — is priced at $6.
With the Queensland Oaks scheduled for June 7, Benagil could etch her name into racing folklore with another strong performance this weekend.