Flemington-based handler Glen Thompson is relying on Benagil’s affinity for the 2000m distance to deliver a stronger showing at Caulfield.

The mare Benagil has an entry in the Group 3 Easter Cup this Saturday, marking her fourth outing since returning from a break.

Thompson highlighted Benagil’s victory at 2000m in Group 1 racing during her three-year-old season, along with two placings at the top level, including one over 2000m and another at 2200m.

In her latest attempt over 2000m, Benagil came home last in the Champions Stakes at Flemington, trailing Via Sistina during the previous spring.

The event took place on an extremely heavy surface and came right at the conclusion of her preparation.

Although Benagil is still seeking a placing after three starts this time in, Thompson expressed satisfaction with the mare’s form.

In her last engagement, Benagil was eighth to Treasurethe Moment in the Sunline Stakes over 1600m at Caulfield on March 21.

“She’s going really well,” Thompson said.

“Her first run, she wasn’t ready, then in her second run she was a little plain.

“I thought her run the other day was great. Her sectionals were the second fastest of the race where she was back last and ran on.

“She won at the 2000 metres in the Australasian Oaks (at Morphettville), and she got to 2200 metres, running third in the Queensland Oaks.

“I’m thinking getting her back up to 2000 metres, we’ll see an improved run from her.”

Looking further ahead, Thompson hasn’t dismissed a trip north to Queensland for the Winter Carnival, yet following this weekend’s Easter Cup, the next target is the Mornington Cup over 2400m on April 18.

Success in the Mornington Cup provides a ballot waiver into the Caulfield Cup at 2400m come October.

“At this stage she’ll go Easter Cup, Mornington Cup, and if she can win that, then she can go to the paddock and get ready for the spring,” Thompson said.

“It will then all be about one race for her.”

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