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Benedetta back at Flemington this weekend

3 August 2023 Written by Racing & Sports

Jason Warren has elected to ease Benedetta back into racing in a benchmark contest at Flemington on VRC Season Premiere Race Day.

With a potential long campaign ahead, trainer Jason Warren has chosen Flemington as the kick-off point for Benedetta, electing to start Benedetta's campaign in the Jockeys Celebration Day Sprint (1100m), a benchmark 84 race, on Saturday. 

Warren also had the four-time winner from six starts entered in the Group 3 Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m) on Saturday but opted for the shorter race instead. 

"We've only had one trial going into this first-up run and I felt to go to the six furlongs we probably would have been better having a second one under our belt," Warren said. 

"Her trial was over 900 metres, so she has done enough to go to the 1100 metres. 

"The Flemington 1200 metres can be pretty testing and at that level (the Aurie's Star) and with a long prep ahead of us, we're better off taking the softer option." 

Benedetta won the Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington in March before finishing third behind What You Need in the Listed Sunlight Classic (1100m) three weeks later. 

Warren has his sights set on a spring campaign but believes the daughter of Hellbent will be an even better proposition in the autumn. 

"She did really well during her break, and she's furnished into a really nice mare now," Warren said. 

"I think she'll be better again in the autumn, but right now, she looks terrific and is ready to go." 

Tatum Bull will ride the mare on Saturday with her 3kg claim reducing Benedetta's weight to 57kg.