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| Staff Writer |
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Several top sprinters in consideration for The Everest later this year are set to compete in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap. The event will also feature the Gr.1J.J. Atkins Stakes for juveniles covering a distance of 1,600 meters (about one mile).
Expected to start in the AU$3 million (US$1.99 million) Stradbroke, which covers 1,400 meters (about seven furlongs) for horses aged 3 and older, is Benedetta. She is a 4YO daughter of Hellbent who recently clinched Gr.1The Goodwood over 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) at Morphettville.
Benedetta, previously ridden by Jamie Kah who is currently on vacation, will now be partnered with Daniel Stackhouse, who will be seeking his first Group One win.
"There's been some interest already from some slot holders for The Everest and if she's offered a slot then she'll spell immediately after the Stradbroke and have one run before The Everest," trainer Jason Warren told Racing Queensland. "Joe Pride has shown in previous years with Think About It and Private Eye that horses that run well in the Stradbroke are up to The Everest. Daniel knows her well and it'll be a great story if he can win his first Group One on her.
"She wore blinkers for the first time in the Goodwood but Jamie felt she was waiting for other horses to get to her. I'm putting visors on her this time which I've used successfully in the past and she went well when she wore them in track work on Monday morning. With visors she'll be able to see the other horses coming."
The Everest is contested at 1,200 meters.