Benali 'Born' For The Big Stage

ROYALLY bred Victorian Benali could attempt a unique Group 1 double at Albion Park in the next few weeks.

Benali (Barcia Bale-Born Ali) led throughout to win his heat of the 710m Group 1 Gold Cup at Albion Park last Thursday night winning in 41.91.
He will run in this week's Group 1 final, but could stay in Queensland to contest the heats of the 520m Group 1 Winter Cup just two weeks later.
Benali's breeder and owner, Victorian Noel Mugavin, said this after the Robbie Britton-trained dog had led throughout to down Gelantipy Gold and Rippin' Sam.
Benali had already been a finalist in the Group 1 Sandown Cup at his previous start and in his debut at distance racing. The dog had won the Perth Cup Consolation in quicker time than Trouper Monelli had run to win the Cup final.
“It was a great run by the dog and it was his first look at the track at Albion Park,” said Mugavin. “We expect him to improve on that.”
Benali is one of three Cup finalists from the Britton kennel the other two being littermates and Sandown Cup quinella Tornado Tears and Rippin' Sam.
Mugavin bred Benali from his former star race bitch Born Ali the winner of the Group 1 WA Galaxy and a seven-times Group finalist.
“Born Ali has just come on season and I have decided to mate her to Fernando Bale,” said Mugavin.
Of the dog's chances in this week's rich final, Mugavin said the box draw (he has the five) would not worry his dog because of his early pace.
“I doubt I will be able to make it to Queensland for the final but I have asked my son Jeremy to make the trip for us,” said Noel.
Benali would probably stay in Queensland with youthful trainer Steve Scott to be prepared for the Group 1 Winter Cup.
Britton has been staying with Scott during his trips to Queensland in recent times.
Britton trained former top class sprinter Farmor Las Vegas for the Scott family.