Sky Thoroughbred Central host Gavin Carmody aptly described the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday as Benevac’s dominant front-running performance.
Young rider Grima, who is now two wins ahead of Braith Nock in the Sydney apprentices premiership with 32 city wins, secured her first victory for esteemed trainer Ciaron Maher aboard Benevac.
She capitalised on Benevac’s excellent start, taking the lead early and maintaining a comfortable advantage throughout the race.
Ciaron Maher’s Sydney stable representative confirmed that this was Benevac’s initial win for the stable under Grima.
“Siena has only had a few rides for us before so it is great she has won for the stable on Benevac,” said Johann Gerard Dubord, Maher’s Sydney stable representative. “She’s riding really well and did everything right on the horse.”
Striking chestnut Benevac, the $2.70 second favourite, dictated terms from the outset and was never seriously challenged. Immediate pursuer Zoufame ($2.30 favourite) finished two-and-three-quarter lengths behind, with Escargoes ($6) securing third place.
Gerard Dubord commented that Benevac is a lightly-raced sprinter who continues to show improvement with each start.
“He’s a lovely horse and we feel there is more to come from him,” Gerard Dubord stated. “He’s got a lot of upside.”
Benevac, a son of Godolphin’s popular young sire Bivouac and out of Houston Benefactor, was acquired by Dean and Adam Watt’s Dynamic Syndications for $140,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale two years prior. His Randwick triumph marked his second career victory from 10 starts, complemented by five minor placings, and has already earned over $290,000 in prizemoney, with further potential for earnings.
The Randwick meeting also saw other notable achievements, including Eagle Farm-based trainer Todd Pollard notching his first Sydney winner with All Kinds Of Folk in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1800m).
This was also Pollard’s debut runner in NSW, having only obtained his licence in February and achieving his 10th winner from just 44 starters, including two Listed victories.
“I don’t think we will keep that strike-rate going but I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my career,” Pollard admitted. “And to get a winner here at Randwick with my first runner is a very special moment for me.”
All Kinds Of Folk ($4.40 favourite), expertly guided by Kerrin McEvoy, overtook the early leader Tambela ($4.80) close to the finish line, winning by a long neck. Existential Bob ($5.50) finished a distant third.
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