John Sadler, the trainer, is counting on prior runs along the straight to pay dividends as Befuddle lines up at Flemington.
The filly is set to contest the HKJC World Pool Trophy (1100m) this Saturday, marking her second outing in almost 11 months.
Sadler noted that the Hanseatic daughter failed to fire during the spring carnival, yet he was thrilled by her fourth-placed effort at Caulfield Heath on February 9 upon her comeback.
“For a horse that had been off the scene for a long time, she ran very well at Caulfield Heath,” Sadler said.
“She got very tired late, but they did run along, and she led them up and there were some quick horses in that race.
“We got her to the trial stage in the spring, but she just didn’t come up, so I tipped her out.
“There were no lameness issues or anything like that, she just didn’t look right.
“I’m happy with how she’s going but I still think she might be one race away, however I’m expecting her to run really well.”
Befuddle has tackled the straight on two prior occasions.
In her initial attempt, she ended up sixth behind Tentyris in the Talindert Stakes (1100m), and three runs afterwards, she claimed third in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m), which was her final appearance before returning this month.
“Before we figured out to let her stride, she was held up in the Talindert behind Tentyris where she over-raced shockingly,” Sadler said.
“Her run was actually a hell of a lot better than what it looks on paper.
“She came out a start later and led all-the-way at Moonee Valley and then went to Caulfield and ran second in The Showdown.
“I’ve always had a better opinion of her than what the market suggests and I hope I turn out to be right.”
Befuddle’s younger half-brother, The Troubleshooter by I Am Immortal, is due for his debut at Flemington this Saturday in the Listed TAB We’re On (1000m).
Sadler described The Troubleshooter as a promising two-year-old who has been thoroughly educated.
“He’s ready to run well, but it will depend on the others and how he handles the straight at his first start,” Sadler said.
Explore the Australian betting sites for top odds in the HKJC World Pool Trophy at Flemington.
