Trainer Jason Warren is hopeful a firmer surface will help Benedetta bounce back when she lines up in Saturday’s Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm.
The Group 1-winning mare, who claimed The Goodwood last year, struggled in the wet during the Doomben 10,000, finishing fourth under Jamie Mott.
“Jamie went out looking for better ground,” Warren said.
“She was changing her galloping lead from left to right, her wheels were spinning, and she just couldn’t get traction.”
Despite the track being rated a heavy 8, Warren believes conditions were worse, with James McDonald suggesting it was closer to a 10.
Warren galloped Benedetta at Eagle Farm on Tuesday, though visibility was limited due to fog.
“I only really saw 50 metres of her work, but her recovery was excellent,” he said.
A return to the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) is on the cards if she performs well, carrying 53.5kg—“a delicious weight,” Warren quipped.