Top Queensland trainer Tony Brett said it's time to test his promising stayer Benarkin against the best so he is flying into Sydney to contest the opening heat of the Group 2 Sportingbet Summer Distance Plate (720m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Benarkin is bred to stay, being from Velocity Cloud, who won the NSW division of the 2010 National Distance Championship at Wentworth Park.
Benarkin has started 36 times for an impressive record of 15 wins and 13 placings and comes into Saturday night's race with three wins from his past four starts, the latest over the 710m at Albion Park last Thursday night.
"He's at that next level where we need to find out whether he's up to this sort of class or whether he's just a good graded dog," Brett said.
"And with this series being for the best 16 I thought it was perfect because he only has to finish in the first four to make the final.
"Unfortunately he's going into Saturday night's race without a trial at the track but that's the way it is.
"He can get out and go which he usually does from an inside draw but from the outside boxes he tends to get back a bit.
"But he's got a very good middle section and gets home okay without powering to the line. He has drawn box two so if he can get out alright then at least it will give him a good look at the track and he should be able to get around okay.
"That's the plan anyway. I'll be happy if he is competitive, and if he makes the final that will be a bonus. Then I would expect him to improve the following week."
Benarkin has drawn the easiest heat of the night although he is still opposed to some smart stayers including Where's Keroma, Mimicking, Dyna Werribee, Born Ali and Set to Shine.
The second heat will be a terrific race with National Distance champion Smart Valentino (pictured) up against Sydney Cup winner Lucy Wires, Summer Cup victor Dyna Willow, the evergreen Destini Fireball and the well-performed Freddy's Smile.
"I'm happy to have drawn the first heat because it gives him the chance to make the final," Brett said.
"I'm flying to Sydney with Benarkin on Friday morning. He has never flown before so if he travels okay I'll take him home on Sunday and then fly back down for the final."
