Melbourne Cup entrants put through their paces on Newmarket’s Al Bahathri
The Roger Charlton-trained Withhold, who beat Prince Of Arran by two and three quarter lengths in the Northumberland Plate (2m.5f) earlier this year, enjoyed a much quieter piece of work, following on from Ed Dunlop’s Red Verdon who worked upsides Prince of Arran in a noticeably faster exercise.
Charlie Fellowes, who trains the latter, was delighted with what he saw on the polytrack gallop. “I’m really happy with that in these conditions. There was a serious headwind and he looked good. He’ll have one final gallop on Tuesday,” the trainer told ANZ Bloodstock News.
Meanwhile, the Godolphin trio of Benbatl (Dubawi), Best Solution (Kodiac) and Prize Money (Authorized) were put through their paces in a separate piece of work on the Limekilns, one of Newmarket’s premier grass gallops.
Their trainer Saeed Bin Suroor told ANZ Bloodstock News he was pleased with how his Australian-bound trio worked.
“Benbatl is going to run in the Cox Plate, but could have a run before, maybe in the Caulfield Stakes,”.
“This could be a good option for him beforehand as it comes two weeks before the Cox Plate, which is still his main target.
“He’s in good form and worked well, we’ll just see how he travels and arrives in Australia.
“Prize Money and Best Solution also worked well and will both run in the Caulfield Cup, and then after that the Melbourne Cup.”
Bin Suroor is under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting Benbatl when he steps off the plane, with his stable star aiming to thwart Winx’s (Street Cry) bid for an unprecedented fourth Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m).
“Winx is the best filly in Australian history, what she has done is amazing,” he added. “I have a lot of respect for her, but our horse is a dual Group 1 winner this year and is an improving horse.
“It’s very exciting, as she’s the best. If we beat her, then great, but if she beats us, then she’s still the best of the best.
“I think a mile and a quarter is the best trip for him, and this has been the plan for a long time, since Dubai earlier this year.”