Benbaun does it again at the Curragh
Mark Wallace believes Benbaun to be his horse of a lifetime and the Newmarket trainer’s pride and joy did not let him down as he plundered a remarkable sixth victory at the Curragh.
Most of the six-year-old’s 11 career wins have been over the minimum distance, including three consecutive Flying Fives at this track, but he left his master plotting even more exciting targets with a game success in the six-furlong St Jovite Renaissance Stakes.
It was a British one-two, with Moss Vale keeping upsides Benbaun and even heading him for a moment before the 5-4 favourite got on top for Pat Smullen and pulled away in the closing stages.
“I think he’s run here nine times, won six and been second in three,” recalled Wallace.
“I wish there was a Group One race here. There’s the Diadem Stakes (at Ascot) in a couple of weeks but I don’t want to be too greedy.
“There’s the Abbaye in Paris, Hong Kong and I have mentioned the Breeders’ Cup before and that’s not out of the equation either.
“What I’d really like to do at some point is take him to Australia.
“He couldn’t even beat a 56-rated yoke on the gallops at home, but he’s just unbelievable on the track. It doesn’t even matter if I never get another like him.”
Fran Berry maintained his irresistible form on the undercard with a treble, two of which were aboard promising maidens for John Oxx.
The chief success came aboard 7-2 joint-favourite Forthefirstime in the Listed Flame Of Tara EBF Stakes, whose second to Prima Luce at the track last time looked decent form.
After British raiders Sudden Impact and Crying Aloud weakened, a trio of Forthefirstime, Bett’s Spirit and Longing To Dance came to the fore but the former’s challenge on the outside was enough to gain the day by a neck and the same.
Oxx said: “She handles this ground well and just didn’t stay seven furlongs last time so we dropped her back to six.
“It’s the first winner for her owners Byerley Racing and I’d say she’ll carry on for another run.”
Age Of Chivalry took the T.P. Waters Chrysler Jeep EBF Maiden and the 8-13 market leader deftly brushed off the attentions of La Sylvia with the pair drawing a mile clear of the remainder.
Oxx added: “She’s a nice speedy filly and I’d like to find a stakes race next, but there aren’t many in this country left. She’ll be competitive in good events next year.”
Berry’s three-timer came in the Crown Paints Handicap aboard Edward Harty’s Baron De’L (7-1), who completed his own hat-trick in bloodless fashion.
The Ladbrokes 1800 777888 EBF September Handicap was far more exciting, with the honours going to Noel Meade’s Athlumney Lad (12-1) and John Egan in a photo.
Declan McDonogh sent the punters home happy by steering home well-backed 4-1 favourite South Wing in a competitive visitmelbourne.com Handicap.
