SCONE trainer Greg Bennett is under no illusions the task facing In A Wink to win next Thursday’s $100,000 H&NWRA Country Championship Qualifier (1400m) at Tamworth.
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The Tamworth qualifier is likely to draw together one of the strongest fields of the seven heats across the state when nominations close at 11am today.
“We’ve got two smart ones to get around in Artlee and Voodoo Lad and there will be others there too with undeniable chances,” Bennett said.
“Everyone is keen to go with the good prizemoney involved.
“It’s going to be a very tough race to win.”
Nonetheless, Bennett is more than happy with his three-year-old filly, a daughter of Ready As, who stands at Steve Miller’s Erin Park Stud just outside of Tamworth.
The Country Championship has been in the making for several months.
Last campaign, In A Wink strung together successive wins at Taree (November 18) and over 1400m at Warwick Farm (November 28), underpinning her ability.
Bennett spelled the filly, with the Country Championship Qualifier her next major target.
“She won like a good thing at Warwick Farm,” Bennett said.
“She’s a good sort of a filly, not overly big but has got a good temperament.
“She tries hard and is tough.”
In A Wink has strung together three wins and three placings from eight starts.
The daughter of Switch In Time mare Time Release is raced and bred by Errol Leicht and his wife. Leicht runs the Forty Winks franchise in Tamworth.
“Errol raced the mother and bred In A Wink,” Bennett said.
“She’s the best horse he’s had for a while.
“She’s been a good moneyspinner,” he said.
“The owner is over the moon at racing her in such a big race.
“She’s certainly not regally bred.
“She’s a home-bred from Tamworth. So far so good.”
In A Wink won a trial at Muswellbrook before resuming from a 12-week spell with a closing fourth to Artlee and Voodoo Lad in the Country Championships Preview (1300m) at Scone on February 23.
“She needed the run and has pulled up good. I’ve been happy with what she’s done,” Bennett said.
“She’s had a soft trial and a run to tighten her up.
“ The 1400 metres won’t worry her.
“She’s in good shape.”
Nominations for the Country Championships Qualifier as well as seven support races on next Thursday’s Tamworth TAB meeting close at 11am today.
First and second in the Tamworth qualifier will earn a start in the $300,000 Country Championship Final (1400m) at Randwick on April 4.
Port Macquarie stages the second of the seven country qualifiers today.
