Benz ready to roll against older horses at Morphettville for trainer Gordon Richards
GORDON Richards is confident Benz can continue his rise in stature when he takes on his older rivals in Saturday’s $100,000 Listed Durbridge Stakes at Morphettville.
The lightly raced three-year-old faces the prospect of plenty of pressure in the 1200m sprint from barrier three as he chases his sixth consecutive victory.
“The 1200m on the outer track is right up his alley,’’ Richards said.
“His form is good. He keeps winning and he obviously gets in really well at the weights.’’
Benz comes off an impressive Moonee Valley win where he covered ground to sit outside the leader before showing plenty of fight to win.
Richards said the horse had given no reason why he couldn’t maintain his red-hot form on his home track in Adelaide.
“He hasn’t turned a hair,’’ the trainer said.
“He’s in his own backyard and doesn’t have to travel. Why go across the border for a $100,000 race when we can stay here?’’
Richards said the experience of a trip away, mixed with his ability to race on the speed or come from behind, was Benz’s greatest asset heading into his toughest test to date.
“Taking on the older horse might be daunting for some young horses, but I don’t think too much worries this bloke,” he said.
“He can win from in front or behind. He’s pretty versatile.
“And the form out of his Moonee Valley race looks pretty good now.’’
UBET has Benz a $4 favourite after opening $4.50 on Thursday, while there has also been specking for top weight Dylanson from the Phillip Stokes stable.
lincoln.moore@news.com.au
Originally published as Benz ready to roll against older horses
