SCONE trainer Greg Bennett is not complaining about the Newcastle Jockey Club meeting being transferred from Broadmeadow to Scone today.
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Bennett will saddle up his boom four-year-old Chivadahlii in the final event, a 1200m Benchmark 65 Handicap.
Chivadahlii has had six starts for three wins and three seconds and on his home track at Scone he has two wins and a second from three starts.
The gelding likes to settle back in the field in his races but he has a paralysing finishing burst.
He is still immature and can do plenty wrong but his racetrack manners are improving.
Bennett told the Newcastle Herald on Thursday that Chivadahlii was ready to step up to provincial class.
“How fortunate are we with his provincial debut on his home track at Scone,” he said.
“This horse has plenty of weight but so have some of the others.
“I am hoping he doesn’t bomb the start from the rails barrier and he can race closer on Saturday.
“Chivadahlii has been his own worst enemy and he can hang in and hang out and do plenty more wrong but, for all his faults, he has a big motor and is a progressive galloper that will win metropolitan races.
“I have been very patient with this bloke because I know how good he is
“I am going to set him for the Country Championships in the New Year but I have to be careful – if he wins two more races he is ineligible,” Bennett said.
Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith – enjoying a successful week with winners at Rosehill and Wyong – is heading to Scone with a truck load of five gallopers.
Smith’s runners are Quantrill (Race 1), I’m Trouble (Race 2), Bogie (Race 5), Pennington (Race 7) and Layo Layo (Race 8).
Smith was confident the long trip would not be in vain when contacted on Thursday.
“Qantrill has excellent form for this race,” he said.
“He has natural speed and he can take a sit if need be.
“He was only beaten four lengths after a tough run at Warwick Farm last start and he has been placed at Canterbury and Warwick Farm.
“I’m Trouble is a one-pace stayer suited by the 2200 metres.
“His two recent Hawkesbury placings suggest he will be hard to beat at Scone.
“Bogie is a first starter with a recent trial win and he has an each way chance.
“Pennington is going well enough to run well and Layo Layo has been freshened up and has a chance in a good field”, Smith said.
