3 minute read
McPhoebe continued her stable’s winning streak when she put paid to her two-year-old rivals at Trentham.
The well-related youngster added to the recent haul of Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard when she claimed Saturday’s Luna Rossa Cup.
The Otaki trainers produced the talented Humidor to win the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic a week ago and they also enjoyed success at Awapuni on Friday with Lucy Liu.“We’ve got a nice team of horses around us and they are delivering,” Benner said.
“Humidor went straight to the paddock after his win. He’s gone out on a high note and there’s plenty of upside to him – we’re really looking forward to him as a spring four-year-old.“McPhoebe is a special filly as well and she won very easily - what she’s achieved as a two-year-old is a bonus.”
A debut winner at Wanganui in January, she then finished fourth at Tauherenikau before she was put aside.“That was a big run as well as she was a bit shin sore. She’s very well bred and she’s going to make a lovely three-year-old,” Benner said.
Raced by her Wellington breeder Simon Niblett, whose broodmare band are based at Curraghmore, the daughter of Makfi is out of a half-sister to the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient.“With that pedigree there’s no reason to think she won’t run a very good mile next season,” Benner said.
Benner will decide over the next few days whether McPhoebe makes another appearance this season.The Listed Hamilton Vet Services 2Y0 at Te Rapa on May 7 or the Listed Berkley Stud Champagne Stakes at Riccarton the same day are future options.