Benzini
Trish Dunell
Rosie Myers knows when she wants Benzini to shine brightest - in the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on March 12 - but she still wants the assurance of knowing he is on track when he tackles this weekend's Gr.2 Go Racing Syndications Avondale Cup at the same course.
The Palmerston North rider has formed a close assocation with Benzini, having ridden him 20 times for five wins, as well as a relegated second during Auckland Cup week two years ago.
The combination was sent out as second favourite in last year's Auckland Cup after wins in the Wairarapa Cup, Listed Kaimai Stakes and Nathans Memorial in Benzini's three leadup races, eventually finishing sixth to favourite Rock Diva.
After running second in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic at Hastings earlier this season, Benzini resumed with a sixth placing at Te Rapa resuming earlier this month off the back of a six-length trial win at Wanganui.
"They just didn't make any ground in that race," Myers said of his Te Rapa effort.
"I went and galloped him last week and he galloped really well so I know he's on track. He's drawn a bit wide for this weekend but hopefully he can improve on his Te Rapa run."
The Adrian and Harry Bull-trained Benzini will carry topweight of 59kg for Saturday's penalty free Avondale Cup (2400m) and drops to 55.5kg for the Auckland Cup (3200m) under the new set-weights and penalties conditions.
"The Auckland Cup is his main aim and obviously he comes into that race very well but it would be nice to see him run a good race this weekend," Myers said.
Benzini is currently an $18 chance in the TAB's fixed-odds market for the Auckland Cup, with Vavasour the $6 favourite. - NZ Racing Desk
The Palmerston North rider has formed a close assocation with Benzini, having ridden him 20 times for five wins, as well as a relegated second during Auckland Cup week two years ago.
The combination was sent out as second favourite in last year's Auckland Cup after wins in the Wairarapa Cup, Listed Kaimai Stakes and Nathans Memorial in Benzini's three leadup races, eventually finishing sixth to favourite Rock Diva.
After running second in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic at Hastings earlier this season, Benzini resumed with a sixth placing at Te Rapa resuming earlier this month off the back of a six-length trial win at Wanganui.
"They just didn't make any ground in that race," Myers said of his Te Rapa effort.
"I went and galloped him last week and he galloped really well so I know he's on track. He's drawn a bit wide for this weekend but hopefully he can improve on his Te Rapa run."
The Adrian and Harry Bull-trained Benzini will carry topweight of 59kg for Saturday's penalty free Avondale Cup (2400m) and drops to 55.5kg for the Auckland Cup (3200m) under the new set-weights and penalties conditions.
"The Auckland Cup is his main aim and obviously he comes into that race very well but it would be nice to see him run a good race this weekend," Myers said.
Benzini is currently an $18 chance in the TAB's fixed-odds market for the Auckland Cup, with Vavasour the $6 favourite. - NZ Racing Desk