By Matt Markham
Jonny Cox is confident that Benicio can return to winning form today at Timaru thanks to the ground beneath his feet.
The talented horseman has driven the former All Stars runner in his last two starts and has felt he hasn’t been completely happy on the grass track surfaces and expects that returning to the grit this afternoon will see him turn things around.
Now in the stable of Leonne Jones, the four race winner has the added bonus of the inside barrier draw and opposition that is a level below what he has recently faced in strong Country Cup races around Canterbury.
“He wasn’t that comfortable at Rangiora,” Cox said.
“There were a couple of spots up the straight that he hit and just didn’t feel right.
“I thought he still went good though.”
Benicio had only been in the care of Jones for a short period leading up the Rangiora run, but with an extra two weeks up the sleeve for today’s assignment it’s all looking positive.
“We’ve got the draw to work with so hopefully we can make the most of it.”
Benicio opened up as a $3.40 favourite last night with bookmakers.
Christopher Banner ($7.60), Boomer Bailey ($5.40), Donegal Rundlescreek ($5.20) and Ultimate Fella ($5.50) are the other runners in single figures.
Cox is heading South to the meeting for three drives – looking to add to his win tally for the season which sits at 10.
He takes the reins on the Neil Munro trained Jemima Franco who was a solid fourth fresh up.
“I drove her a bit in her last prep and quite liked her.
“She went good first up so hopefully we can get a right run and be in contention.”
His third drive is Two Right an impressive maiden winner at the last Timaru meeting.
The Mark Fuller trained son of Art Official meets a strong C1 field with plenty of depth.
“He might have to grow another leg like he did last time, but the ability is obviously there.”
Two Right was $11.50 with bookmakers last night.
Super Selector by Matt Markham
Race 1: One Over Da Stars, Sunny CJ, Saxon Rose, Ruthless Kayla
Race 2: Woosh Factor, Best Defence, Absolutely Delighted, Sweet Loress
Race 3: Turkish Trousers, Tahlia Franco, Jemima Franco, Classie Margaret
Race 4: Trouble Giero, Arannalea, Needle, Idle Boys
Race 5: Novak, Carbonado, Locked Out Of Heaven, Speedy Mach
Race 6: Debaneyre, Madam Spur, Bobbins, Sundon’s Flyer
Race 7: Canderdel, All About Henry, Kayteeoh Denario, Wobbegong
Race 8: Righteous Hanover, Handsome Hero, Daimond Life, Ice Crusher
Race 9: Benicio, Christopher Banner, Ultimate Fella, Stunin Dude
Race 10: Let’s Rocknroll, Dying To See You, Tuscany Miss, Smooth Mara
Race 11: Dana Duke, Givematasteofkiwi, Marat Saf Finn, Sans Le Sou
Best Bet: Dana Duke (Race 11)
Value: Canderdel (Race 7)
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
