After competing in some hot maidens over 1200m in his first two starts this prep, Bencouver appreciated the step up in distance to 1400m to score a dominate win in the Jack Melbourne Takes On Sportsbet Maiden at Pakenham tonight.
The team were thrilled to see the 3yo gelding by Vancouver finally race up to the potential he has been showing them at home. Given a great ride from jockey Jamie Mott, Bencouver took a sit just off the pace before pushing his way through to take the gap at the top of the straight. From there he was able to accelerate past the leader and put several lengths on them to come away with the win by 3 lengths.
Although Michael has always felt we would not see the best of him until he stepped up to the 1400m and further, he resisted the temptation to step him up in distance too quickly as he is a big and strong horse that takes some time to get him to his optimum fitness base.
A $80,000 purchase from Supreme Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Inglis Premier Sale, the team has always had a high opinion of this horse so it was very satisfying to see him finally break his maiden in such a resounding way.
Hopefully Bencouver can now continue on his good form and set himself up for a good prep.
To view Bencouver’s race, click here.