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Benbatl issues Cox Plate challenge in G1 Caulfield Stakes

Mike Hedge

Godolphin’s European star Benbatl has thrown down a challenge to the world champion Winx with a victory combining brilliance and courage in the G1 Caulfield Stakes on Saturday, 13 October.

Benbatl (Saeed bin Suroor/Pat Cosgrave) sat on a strong pace from the jump, dashed clear at the 300m and fought off fellow Godolphin runner Blair House (Charlie Appleby/James Doyle) to win by a half-head.

While Benbatl’s win confirmed he had brought to Australia the form that won him two G1s in Europe this year, Saeed said the horse still had improvement to come.

“He needed this race,” Saeed said.

“He has been in very good form and he will now got to the Cox Plate.”

Saeed wouldn’t be drawn on making a comparison to Winx, except to say he was looking forward to the race at Moonee Valley which the Australian mare will be attempting to win for the fourth year on end.

Benbatl will be ridden at Moonee Valley by Oisin Murphy.

Cosgrave raced Benbatl perfectly, allowing the pacemaker Homesman to set a solid speed, but to remain within reach.

Approaching the home turn he allowed Benbatl to stride forward and the pair hit the front soon after turning into the short Caulfield straight.

With Blair House looming, Cosgrave got the supreme effort from his horse and the pair held on to score in a photo.

“He’s a very honest horse, and he raced right up to his European form today,” Cosgrave said.

Benbatl had already won G1 races in Dubai and Germany this year and his meeting with Winx now shapes as the most eagerly anticipated of the Australian spring.

“That has given us confidence for the Cox Plate. It has been our target since January when he was in Dubai,” Saeed said.

“But Winx is in the race, she is the best-of-the-best.

“She is a superstar, I have a lot of respect for her.”

The win was the second G1 for Saeed in Australia who also won the 2008 G1 Caulfield Cup with All The Good.

Benbatl’s victory came after Godolphin’s local favourite Hartnell produced another commendable effort to finish second in the G1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.

The grand old campaigner chased bravely over the final 200m to finish 1-1/4 lengths behind Land Of Plenty and will now head towards the G1 Kennedy Mile at Flemington in three weeks.

A memorable day for Godolphin was completed by Osborne Bulls who finished third in The Everest, the world’s richest turf race.

A bold plan to race alone down the stands side on the heavy Randwick track paid dividends for Osborne Bulls who was beaten by the 2017 winner Redzel and Trapeze Artist.