This preparation Bengal Boy has really proven himself as a young stayer with significant promise. This Saturday at Morphettville, dreams of a runner in an Australian staying classic will become a reality for connections, with the horse set to contest the SA Derby.
Following a moderate first preparation as an early three year old, he was gelded with a view to giving him his best racing opportunities. All four race starts following the ultimate gear change have been promising, graduating to a well-deserved win last start in the Listed Galilee Final over 2400m. Following that brave effort, in which he travelled three-wide, no cover throughout, the Group 1 South Australian Derby over 2500m was pencilled in as his next target.
The son of Dundeel will go into the race fifth up after almost a month between races, which has given him the chance to freshen up and he will certainly be at his peak fitness.
Trainer Matt Cumani reports: “I’m really happy with how he’s progressed since his last start. He had his last piece of fast work on Tuesday up the hill and settled really well behind the other horse and quickened when he was asked to. He has really come along as a horse, he’s eating well and is a very happy healthy horse. He’s drawn barrier 7 for the Derby, which I think is perfect and I can’t wait to see him perform there on Saturday.”
Bengal Boy will travel down to Morphettville on Friday morning and will stay at Murray Bridge overnight, before heading to the races on Saturday. Declan Bates is booked to ride at 56.5kg.
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Best of luck to all connections for Saturday’s race!