LeadingSydney trainer Grahame Begg predicted a bright future for Bennetta after she scored a sizzling win in the $200,000 R.M.Williams Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap (1300m) at the Gold Coast this afternoon.
After missing a run in the million dollar Magic Million 3YO Guineas to be run later today, Bennetta was aimed at the fillies and mares features.
Racing off the speed for much of the race, Bennetta produce an amazing finishing burst to reel in the leaders and race clear for the easiest of wins.
At the post the General Nediym filly had a two and a quarter length margin over bonny country mare Playtime, while Canberra’s Capital Commander was another half length back in the third place.
Begg showed plenty of emotions after the race while admitting to having a massive opinion at the filly.
“She’s a horse that is really on the move,” Begg said “She’s pretty exciting.”
“We like her a lot and we think she’s pretty smart.”
“She’s had a pretty easy weak. We gave her a good gallop at home last Saturday morning and James (McDonald) rode her and he gave her the right feel.”
“I think there’s bigger things in store,” he said. “She’ll be in the paddock on Monday.”
“I really feel that a race like the Coolmore Classic over 1500 meter will be perfect for her.”
“She is so relaxed. She’s not your typical General Nediym jump and run type of horse. It’s pretty exciting.”
“We’ve been waiting for her for a while,” the emotional trainer added.
Bennetta carries the colours of the Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud – they bred the filly and offered her at the 2011 Gold Coast Yearling Sale but after failing to reach her reserve price of $80,000 she was retained to race.
It was a stroke of luck for connections as she’s already won over $200,000 and with a trainer confident she can measure up to Group One class that figure looks certain to rise over the coming months and seasons.
A daughter of the 1997 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner General Nediym, Bennetta is one of three winners for her dam Diva’s Magic.
By Redoute’s Choice, Diva’s Magic won over 1400 meters and was Sydney placed before retiring to stud. She is a half sister to the Mooney Valley based stakes winner Cyberiad.
Aside from Bennetta, Diva’s Magic is the dam of the three time Hong Kong winner Tom’s Eighth as well as once time winner The Thirteenth.