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| Sumita Pawar |
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The managing owner of the Bennett Racing operation, Nathan Bennett, is hoping that the talented colt Southport Tycoon will prove himself as a genuine contender for The Everest when he competes in the US$1.5 million All Aged Stakes at Royal Randwick this Saturday. Trained by Ciaron Maher, Southport Tycoon has already demonstrated his potential by winning his maiden Group One race in the Australian Guineas last month.
As such, Bennett and Maher are optimistic that the colt will deliver another impressive performance in the All Aged Stakes before setting their sights on even bigger targets, such as the US$20 million The Everest, the US$10 million Golden Eagle, and the US$5 million Cox Plate later this year.
"If he goes to the paddock (after Saturday), we will have our eyes on The Everest in the spring," Bennett said.
"He is pretty sharp as well. He did nearly win over 1200m (Australia Stakes) and if he got out of the barriers that day, he probably would have won.
"He was a bit more immature then. He has learnt his craft a bit this preparation so The Everest wouldn't be out of the question and the Golden Eagle is definitely on the radar.
"A Cox Plate is also on the radar and that's the best thing about him, Ciaron thinks he can win 1200m out to 2000m so he is a pretty versatile colt."
With his excellent form and impressive track record, Southport Tycoon is considered one of the top contenders for the Gr.1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick. Although he was initially set to compete in the Doncaster Mile, Ciaron Maher withdrew the valuable colt due to a wide gate and wet track.
Instead, Southport Tycoon underwent a second tickover trial to prepare for his upcoming first start since winning the Guineas in March. The Australian Guineas has already proven to be a great precursor with Veight and Riff Rocket, who finished second and third respectively, going on to win Group One races in their next starts. Nathan Bennett is confident that Southport Tycoon is ready to deliver another impressive performance in Sydney.
"We are pretty excited about it," he said.
"He has drawn a good barrier, he's in good form and looks like he goes pretty well the Sydney way of going and has trialled up a treat.
"He has worked the house down and couldn't be in any better condition either.
"He is a pretty nice fresh horse as well, he likes being fresh so it all maps pretty well for him."
Southport Tycoon will be ridden by the Victorian-based jockey sensation Jamie Kah in the All Aged Stakes. Currently, the colt is the third favourite with odds of US$6, trailing behind Espiona and Sunshine In Paris.