Benji's Glory earns a break after win

Craig Brennan
Sunday, October 17, 2010

Benji’s Glory earned himself a break following his victory in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C over 1700m on the Polytrack on Sunday.

Ridden by Joao Moreira, Benji’s Glory held on to score by a head over Happiness Come (Oscar Chavez) with Prinzio (Robbie Fradd) a neck away third.

Trainer Stephen Burridge had intended to send Benji’s Glory for a break following his victory on the Polytrack over 1600m on September 26 but said this time around he would definitely send the gelding for a break.

A stable quinella for leading trainer Steven Burridge: Benji's Glory (Joao
Moreira) holds off stablemate Happiness Come (Oscar Chavez).

“He just pulled-up so well after his win last time that I decided to press on with him,” said Burridge who landed his 80^th winner for the season.

“I own a share in him and being the boss he will now go for a spell.

“He’s done a great job to go through his classes the way he has and he did have to carry a bit of weight today.

“I thought they were going to beat him in the straight, but then he rallied and came again.

“Hopefully the break will do him good. He’s still very green and a big baby and that is why we have to race him in the pacifiers.

“He loves to have a look around and is very gawky, but he’s doing well and hopefully has a good future.”

Moreira gave Benji’s Glory a perfect run behind the speed that was set by Storm Chipazo (Vlad Duric) who had to work early in the race to find the front over Zac Nirvana (Danny Beasley) with the winner tucked in behind in third place.

As the field turned for home Moreira was able to edge out into the clear and quickly shot Benji’s Glory to the front.

With about 200m to run Benji’s Glory looked to get the wobbles, but Moreira was able to straighten the gelding and he got his second wind.

“I think he resented the whip,” said Moreira. “He wanted to stop when I hit him in two consecutive strides.

“I put the whip away and just pumped away hands and heels. If I had not ridden the horse before I don’t think he would have won the race.”

Benji’s Glory, a four-year-old by Untouchable from the Romeo mare Lover Punt, landed his fourth victory in 16 starts and took his prizemoney past the $200,000 mark for the Benjamin Racing No 2 Stable with Sunday’s success.