Trainer Jason Warren and the connections of Benedetta are considering their options for the mare, with plans to be finalized after her upcoming Group 1 sprint at Moonee Valley.
Benedetta is set to make her first appearance at Moonee Valley in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, following a strong gallop at the track earlier this week.
The mare is among nine acceptors for the race, with barriers to be drawn at 5.15pm on Tuesday.
Warren emphasized that Benedetta’s performance on Saturday will be crucial in determining her next steps.
“Her run this weekend will likely shape our decision on where we go next,” Warren said.
“We’ve got three main options to consider.
“One is to head to Sydney for the T J Smith, another is to freshen her up and aim for the Sangster in Adelaide, and the third is to travel to England.
“The prize money for races in England has increased significantly, especially for traveling horses, making it a much more attractive option.
“When you travel that far for races that offer less value than here, it’s not worth it, but with the added incentives, it’s something we have to consider.
“However, traveling to England would likely mean missing the spring carnival, so there’s a lot to weigh up. If she wins on Saturday, I’d say the connections will lean toward the T J Smith.
“For now, our focus is on Saturday, and we’ll take it from there.”
Although Benedetta has never raced 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 event.
Now, as a seasoned mare with a Group 1 victory to her name, Warren is optimistic about her chances, provided she gets a bit of luck.
This preparation, Benedetta finished third in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) first-up, 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 main 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 bravely, but it’s rare for horses to 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 heavy traffic.
“It was a frustrating race—a missed opportunity for what should have been an achievable Group 1. It was tough to take.
“She’s had a good two-week break since and is in excellent shape.”
Daniel Stackhouse will be back in the saddle on Saturday.
