Benbatl wins under Murphy
Benbatl wins under Murphy

Benbatl primed to take on Winx in Cox Plate in Australia


Saeed Bin Suroor is dreaming of Benbatl doing the almost unthinkable and toppling wonder mare Winx when the two meet in Australia next month.

The son of Dubawi could take on the Chris Waller-trained seven-year-old - who made it 27 straight victories at Randwick on Saturday - in either the Caulfield Stakes or the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley, a race she has won for the past three seasons.

Bin Suroor said: "Benbatl will do the Caulfield Stakes, then the Cox Plate. It's a big race (Cox Plate) and she is the best filly in Australian history and it will be hard to beat her.

"We are taking a good horse from England, though, and we will see how we go.

"It would mean a lot if we beat Winx. I have a lot of respect for her, and for her trainer and jockey. Our horse is doing good. If we win it will be great, but if she wins she is the best."

Sky Bet make Benbatl the 12/1 second-favourite behind 2/5 market leader Winx in their antepost book.

The Newmarket handler feels dual Group One winner Best Solution represents the best chance of giving him a first victory in the Lexus Melbourne Cup on November 6.

He added: "Best Solution will run in the Caulfield Cup, then the Melbourne Cup, and Prize Money will probably do the same.

"Best Solution is number one for the Melbourne Cup. He has won two Group One races this year and is an improving horse.

"I think from my experience, although I've not won it, if you take a mile-and-a-quarter or mile-and-a-half horse with speed, they can get a good result.

"He is a mile-and-a-half horse, but we are giving him the chance in the big race this year."


GET THE FULL PICTURE: Don't miss out on FREE video replays and our fantastic My Stable tracker. Log in now and become a Sporting Life Insider.

Related horse racing links

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo