Hat-trick looms for emerging filly Benedetta at Sandown

Mornington trainer Jason Warren has taken the line of an AFL coach when plotting his moves with smart filly Benedetta.

Benedetta has emerged as a talented type during the summer months with an easy maiden win at Cranbourne before proving equally dominant in midweek grade at Sandown at her last run.

Warren will step Benedetta up another grade when she tackles Saturday’s John Moule Handicap (1300m) at Sandown.

“She’s ready to go again,” Warren said.

“She worked really well on Tuesday morning and Saturday looks a nice race for her.

“We’ll go there Saturday and hope she takes the next step.

“If we can tick off a Saturday win with her, that would be great.”

Many TAB punters think Benedetta will post her third straight win on Saturday, backing her from $2.80 to $2.50 as soon as markets opened on Wednesday.

Winning Saturday’s $150,000 assignment would present Warren with the chance to expand his thinking with the remainder of Benedetta’s preparation.

Warren could aim Benedetta for the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes in three-year-old fillies grade or he could opt to take on older mares in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes.

Both races are run over 1600m at The Valley on March 24.

However, Warren noted Benedetta’s size could play a part in his plans for the daughter of Group 1-winning sprinter Hellbent.

“We’ve always felt a mile was always going to be her best trip,” Warren said.

“She settles well and has a good turn of foot.

“There’s not much of her so she’s not a horse we train hard so I will be guided by the horse.

“The Valley race is six weeks away but might turn out to be a good target for her.”

Daniel Stackhouse will again ride Benedetta at Sandown.