Latest news with #Benagil
Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
2025 Queensland Oaks: Benagil recovered and back on track
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Glen Thompson says Group 1 winner Benagil has recovered well from some minor lacerations when she 'ran up their arses' last start and he feels she is still the horse they all have to beat in Saturday's Group 1 Queensland Oaks. Benagil is the benchmark for Saturday's Oaks at Eagle Farm, having already won the Group 1 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide and boasting a Group 1 runner-up finish behind superstar filly Treasurethe Moment during the Sydney autumn carnival. But a spanner was thrown in the works of best laid Queensland Oaks plans when Benagil finished 10th, beaten seven lengths, in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 23. She pulled up with some cuts on her front and back legs but, after watching her have a spin around Eagle Farm on Tuesday, Flemington trainer Thompson declared his filly cherry ripe for an Oaks (2200m) tilt. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'Taking out that last run, she has got the best form in the race,' Thompson said. 'She has been racing against the best fillies and she ran second to probably the best three-year-old filly in the country (Treasurethe Moment) three starts ago in Sydney. 'If she brings her A game, I think she's going to be the horse to beat in the Oaks. 'You just need to put a line through her last run. 'She's also going to be a lot better going to the big Eagle Farm track and whatever track conditions she gets won't worry her.' * 'It jeopardises the Stradbroke': Benedetta back-up gamble Benagil started the $3.50 favourite in the Group 2 The Roses on May 24 but wasn't a factor behind the David Vandyke-trained Philia, who scored her fourth consecutive victory and rocketed to Oaks favouritism. But Thompson detailed why it was a total forget run for Benagil. 'Last start was a very messy race, she got back in behind the wrong horses and ran up their arses,' he said. 'She just got dragged out of the race at the wrong time when she needed to be building into the race. 'It was a hard watch and not good to see heading into a Group 1 race. 'She pulled up with a few cuts on her front and back legs, just superficial stuff. 'But she seems really good now and I'm really happy with her heading to Saturday. 'If she can bring her best form to Saturday, she is right in the mix. 'She is better ridden quiet in the second half of the field, back out of trouble. 'We will try to ride her like the best horse in the race and hopefully she shows she is.' * 'You'll see the best of her Saturday': Vandyke's warning to Oaks rivals Benagil was the filly who gave Thompson his first Group 1 win in his own right. He trained in partnership with Melbourne Cup-winning legend Mike Moroney until Moroney's tragic passing in late February. Originally published as Benagil recovered and back on track for Group 1 Queensland Oaks tilt for trainer Glen Thompson
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Benagil recovered and back on track for Group 1 Queensland Oaks tilt for trainer Glen Thompson
Glen Thompson says Group 1 winner Benagil has recovered well from some minor lacerations when she 'ran up their arses' last start and he feels she is still the horse they all have to beat in Saturday's Group 1 Queensland Oaks. Benagil is the benchmark for Saturday's Oaks at Eagle Farm, having already won the Group 1 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide and boasting a Group 1 runner-up finish behind superstar filly Treasurethe Moment during the Sydney autumn carnival. But a spanner was thrown in the works of best laid Queensland Oaks plans when Benagil finished 10th, beaten seven lengths, in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 23. She pulled up with some cuts on her front and back legs but, after watching her have a spin around Eagle Farm on Tuesday, Flemington trainer Thompson declared his filly cherry ripe for an Oaks (2200m) tilt. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'Taking out that last run, she has got the best form in the race,' Thompson said. 'She has been racing against the best fillies and she ran second to probably the best three-year-old filly in the country (Treasurethe Moment) three starts ago in Sydney. 'If she brings her A game, I think she's going to be the horse to beat in the Oaks. 'You just need to put a line through her last run. 'She's also going to be a lot better going to the big Eagle Farm track and whatever track conditions she gets won't worry her.' WATCH: Ahead of Saturday's Group 1 $700,000 Queensland Oaks, Benagil's trainer Glen Thompson tells @bendorries76 that his filly has recovered from some minor lacerations sustained in the Group 2 The Roses last start. ðŸ'‡ — Racenet (@RacenetTweets) June 2, 2025 * 'It jeopardises the Stradbroke': Benedetta back-up gamble Benagil started the $3.50 favourite in the Group 2 The Roses on May 24 but wasn't a factor behind the David Vandyke -trained Philia, who scored her fourth consecutive victory and rocketed to Oaks favouritism. But Thompson detailed why it was a total forget run for Benagil. 'Last start was a very messy race, she got back in behind the wrong horses and ran up their arses,' he said. 'She just got dragged out of the race at the wrong time when she needed to be building into the race. 'It was a hard watch and not good to see heading into a Group 1 race. 'She pulled up with a few cuts on her front and back legs, just superficial stuff. 'But she seems really good now and I'm really happy with her heading to Saturday. 'If she can bring her best form to Saturday, she is right in the mix. 'She is better ridden quiet in the second half of the field, back out of trouble. 'We will try to ride her like the best horse in the race and hopefully she shows she is.' Benagil was the filly who gave Thompson his first Group 1 win in his own right. He trained in partnership with Melbourne Cup -winning legend Mike Moroney until Moroney's tragic passing in late February.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Trainer David Vandyke's assessment of his star Philia is frightening for her 2025 Queensland Oaks rivals
'I would say you'll see the best of her on Saturday.' Trainer David Vandyke 's assessment of his star Philia is frightening for her Queensland Oaks rivals as the super talented filly is primed to cap a dream campaign in the Group 1 for three-year-olds over 2200m at Eagle Farm on Saturday. To be ridden by top jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Philia will be shooting for her fifth straight triumph in the major on Saturday after a meteoric rise that prompted bookmakers to install her as the $3 favourite in the Oaks. Group 1 Australasian Oaks champion Benagil ($5) is on the next line from Jenni's Meadow ($6), Churchill's Choice and Movin Out (both $8). • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'From the time I got her as a yearling, the plan was always to end up at the Queensland Oaks,' said Vandyke, who won the major with Gypsy Goddess three years ago. 'For this girl to go from a maiden at the start of this prep and us not really knowing to what level she could climb … it would be wonderful to win an Oaks with her. 'When she goes out for a break next week, irrespective of what happens on Saturday, it'll be a good time for reflection. 'I can sit back and look at the pedigree page, I can watch the replays and I can really appreciate what's happened during this period.' But it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Sunshine Coast trainer Vandyke, who said the daughter of All Too Hard – a half-sister to Duais, who won the 2021 Queensland Oaks for trainer Ed Cummings – could be as stubborn as a mule at times. Philia dominates Race 7 at Eagle Farm for @vandykeracing13! @KPMcEvoy — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 26, 2025 • 'This girl's had very little time off in 12 months and she's been difficult to train,' he said. 'She's got a very strong will and it hasn't always been focused on running. 'Even now I'll take her down to the pool for a walk and if she doesn't want to do something or she wants to go at her pace, then there has to be a compromise. 'She can get a bit resentful if she's not respected or managed well.' That stubborn attitude is why Philia, with four wins and two runner-up finishes from just six races, has an iron will to win and an ability to soak up pressure from her rivals. Those traits shone through brightly in her last-start victory in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) on May 24 at Doomben when she was softened up in the run but still kicked on to beat the fast-finishing Jenni's Meadow and Movin Out. . @KPMcEvoy guides Philia to victory in The Roses for @vandykeracing13! — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025 'She's the sort of horse you dream about, I couldn't be happier with her,' Vandyke said. 'With her pattern of racing, she can create the tempo. 'The other day (in The Roses) the fastest furlong was between the 1800m and the 1600m. 'She can really handle pressure and she's got that will to win when she gets taken on. 'She'll just pin the ears and keep going. I was delighted with her effort because she didn't do it easy.' Queensland Derby (2400m) and Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) to be rescheduled.
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Trainer Glen Thompson declares flying filly in great shape for Queensland Oaks tilt
Trainer Glen Thompson says his recent Australasian Oaks victory with Benagil is 'a bit of blur' but he will now put the Queensland Oaks into sharp focus after confirming his high-flying filly will head to Brisbane for the $700,000 Group 1 race next month. Thompson said last week he would make a decision on whether Benagil would compete in the Queensland winter carnival after the dust had settled on her epic victory in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide on April 26. But the Flemington-based trainer declared the daughter of Manhattan Rain was in 'great shape' and would fly to Brisbane on May 20 and race in the Group 2 $300,000 The Roses (2000m) for 3YO fillies at Doomben four days later. Then it will be onwards to the Queensland Oaks (2200m) on June 7 at Eagle Farm, with top jockey Mark Zahra to stay on after his Australasian Oaks success at Morphettville. 'She's come through the run great,' Thompson said about the emotional triumph, just two months after the passing of his former training partner Michael Moroney. 'We came back to Melbourne the day after and she's licked the bin out the whole time. 'She hasn't left an oat since the race so she's in great shape. 'It was a great weekend. It's all a bit of a blur to be honest. There was a lot going on at the time but I've watched the video a few times since then and it's a day I'll never forget.' It's been a tumultuous season for Thompson, whose future was in limbo last month when it was announced that Ballymore Stables, where he worked as an assistant trainer, would be absorbed by Lindsay Park. But fortunately Thompson has secured 20 boxes at Flemington as a trainer in his own right and he gets to keep Benagil in his stable. "WHAT A QUALITY FILLY." Benagil wins the Australasian Oaks. The first Group 1 for Glen Thompson as a solo trainer after the passing of Mike Moroney. 😇 â€' 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) April 26, 2025 TAB has posted Benagil as the $4.50 equal favourite for the Queensland Oaks alongside the Nathan Doyle-trained Churchill's Choice, with Belle Detelle ($6) and $8 chances Femminile, Philia and Verona Rose on the next line. 'At this stage she'll definitely head up to Queensland, she's booked to fly up on the 20th (of May),' Thompson said about Benagil. 'At this stage we're very happy with her and she's definitely heading in that direction.' Thompson said Benagil, who has earned more than $1.1m in prizemoney and delivered the trainer's first Group 1, was a dream filly to train. 'She's got a great attitude, she's very straightforward, quiet and loves her work,' he said. 'She's tough too. I wish I had five more like her. She's been to Sydney and back (to Melbourne), Adelaide and back, and it hasn't worried her one bit. 'It's unbelievable how she seems to have thrived off the travel so far.' Meanwhile, trainer Bjorn Baker said his gun sprinter Overpass was on track to compete in the Group 1 $1.5m Doomben 10,000 (1200m), with Josh Parr to ride, on Saturday week after losing his The Quokka crown in Perth late last month. 'He's going well,' Baker said. 'He's going to have a good gallop tomorrow (Tuesday) and we'll look at getting him up there for that (the Doomben 10,000) for sure. 'He's had a good preparation. It didn't quite work out in Perth as we'd hoped but he was very good in the TJ Smith (runner-up to Briasa on April 5 at Randwick) so if he runs up to that he's a good chance.'
Courier-Mail
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
2025 Doomben 10,000: Overpass heads to Brisbane
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Group 1 star and seasoned traveller Overpass may have lost his $5m The Quokka crown, but will now add extra star power to the early stages of the Queensland winter carnival. Trainer Bjorn Baker and syndicator Scott Darby confirmed the $10.5m earner would attack the $1.5m Group 1 Doomben 10,000 on May 17. Overpass was striving to score his third consecutive The Quokka last Saturday but finished fifth, beaten a length-and-a-half by fairytale winner Jokers Grin, who is trained by 70-year-old Bernie Miller. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Overpass, rated a $6 chance in the Doomben 10,000, will now add some extra snap and crackle to the early stages of the winter carnival. 'For sure, he will go to the Doomben 10,000, we are definitely going that way as long as all goes well,' Baker told Racenet. 'He has got a bit of a travel in front of him, but that's what we will do. 'It will just be the one run in Queensland. 'In The Quokka, I thought he was OK and still ran well and didn't get beaten that far. 'Maybe, it was a little bit of a risk going in second-up and maybe that took its toll. 'We thought we could get away with it, three weeks between runs, given he is a little bit older. 'Next year, we would look at going to The Quokka first-up.' • Better than Black Caviar? Dye's big call on The Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising Overpass has raced in the Doomben 10,000 before, finishing second behind Giga Kick in 2023. As the Queensland winter carnival stars start to align, Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith indicated there was a chance The Quokka and Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes placegetter Headwall could also head north for the winter. 'I won't make a decision until I get him home, I will probably know what we are doing with him early next week,' Smith said. Meanwhile, Glen Thompson indicated last Saturday's Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Benagil could be set for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 7. Benagil was an emphatic Oaks winner in South Australia and there were emotional scenes given the passing of co-trainer Michael Moroney earlier this year. Bjorn Baker. Picture: Getty Images • What the jockeys said: 2025 Australasian Oaks Benagil is the $4.50 favourite for the Queensland Oaks and Thompson told Racenet: 'She is a chance of coming to Queensland, depending on the next week and how she is after her (South Australian) trip.' Maiden filly Sweltering finished runner-up behind Benagil in Adelaide on Saturday and will almost certainly embark on a Queensland campaign, according to co-trainer Trent Busuttin. Originally published as Dethroned The Quokka champion Overpass set for 2025 Doomben 10,000
