Benkennie Chic made the trip from Sydney more than worthwhile for trainer Peter Mantach.
On her first visit to the track, Benkennie Chic proved too strong in a heat of the Ladbrokes Back Yourself heat (525m) at Wagga on Friday night.
The Elderslie trainer was pleased with her efforts and thought the distance really suited.
“I think she might get 600 as she gets on but we are just hoping,” Mantach said. “She is only Young so we will leave her at that.”
Benkennie Chic ($2.00 fav) ran down leader Aqua Divergent ($3.00) to win by just over two lengths. Adding to her impressive record, it was her seventh win from 14 starts plus she’s been placed on another three occasions.
Not only did the victory make the trip home easier for Mantach, but may have prevented him from making a trip to Temora as part of the lucrative series.
He’s hoping she has done enough to qualify for the final at Wentworth Park.
Young trainer Gary Kimber sprung a surprise in the second of the heats. Not only did he cause a boilover when Strickland ($26) won but managed to pick up the quinella when Corleone's Girl ($59.60) finished just over two lengths.
She was originally the first reserve but more than justified the late call-up, meanwhile, Magic Marlow ($3.40) made it four wins in a row for Wagga trainer Peter Ward.
Leading all the way in the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Stakes (400m), Magic Marlow continued his hot run of form.
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