Benbaun ready for Curragh test
The stable stalwart ran the race of his life to finish third in the Hong Kong Sprint in December and is set for another trip abroad.
“He’s in very good order and fitter than he’s ever been for his first run of the season, he worked very well the other day.
“I hope they don’t put any water on, as long as the ground is on the fast side of good that should be fine.
“I’ve booked Pat Smullen and he was the only man to win on him last year.
“We are just going to hang onto him a bit more to make sure he gets the six (furlongs) but I’m sure he’s a better horse this year.
“This year could be his year but saying that, there are an awful lot of good sprinters around, Dandy Man, Amadeus Wolf and the like.”
Meanwhile Leitra is set to have her first start of the season in the same race.
Michael Halford’s speedy filly finished third behind Benbaun in the Flying Five Stakes on her final start last season, and Halford believes she has developed physically since then.
“She has wintered great. I’ve been waiting for safe ground for her for a while. There have been a couple of opportunities for her but the ground was too quick,” he said.
“She has done particularly well over the winter and she has strengthened up.
“The trip is the thing with her. We are not sure yet if she stays six furlongs - it might not seem far but in that company it might tell.
“We are hopeful of a good run but it may prove in time that she is better over five. She has to start somewhere though.”
