Trainer John Sadler expects Befuddle’s knowledge of the Flemington straight to advantage her at the track.
Befuddle contests the HKJC World Pool Trophy (1100m) on Saturday, her second appearance in 11 months.
According to Sadler, the daughter of Hanseatic lacked sharpness in spring, though he was impressed by her fourth at Caulfield Heath on February 9 resuming.
“For a horse that had been off the scene for a long time, she ran very well at Caulfield Heath,” Sadler said.
“She got very tired late, but they did run along, and she led them up and there were some quick horses in that race.
“We got her to the trial stage in the spring, but she just didn’t come up, so I tipped her out.
“There were no lameness issues or anything like that, she just didn’t look right.
“I’m happy with how she’s going but I still think she might be one race away, however I’m expecting her to run really well.”
Befuddle has two previous starts down the Flemington straight.
She placed sixth behind Tentyris in the Talindert Stakes (1100m) first up, then third three races later in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m), her last before this month’s comeback.
“Before we figured out to let her stride, she was held up in the Talindert behind Tentyris where she over-raced shockingly,” Sadler said.
“Her run was actually a hell of a lot better than what it looks on paper.
“She came out a start later and led all-the-way at Moonee Valley and then went to Caulfield and ran second in The Showdown.
“I’ve always had a better opinion of her than what the market suggests and I hope I turn out to be right.”
The Troubleshooter, younger half-brother to Befuddle from I Am Immortal, makes his race debut in Saturday’s Listed TAB We’re On (1000m) at Flemington.
The two-year-old has been aptly described by Sadler as capable and well-drilled.
“He’s ready to run well, but it will depend on the others and how he handles the straight at his first start,” Sadler said.
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