Otaki trainer Johno Benner is hoping to see consistent galloper Wyndspelle (NZ) (Iffraaj) bounce back from a disappointing run in Melbourne when he contests Saturday’s John Turkington Forresty Ltd/Wai Pine Bulls Country Cup (1400m) at Awapuni.
Wyndspelle finished 17th behind Fierce Impact in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield last month, having previously finished second and fourth to Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) in the first two legs of the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown at Hastings.
Benner, who prepares the Iffraaj entire in partnership with Hollie Wynyard, was perplexed by the below-par run across the Tasman.
“I don’t really know what to make of it. It was a case of pulling up stumps and coming home. It was worth having a crack and for whatever reason he didn’t fire,” he said.
“At the end of the day, they’re horses, not machines.
“His form leading up to that race was as good as it could be. He was beaten by a star mare in Melody Belle and probably should have finished second in the Windsor Park Plate (Gr.1, 1600m).
“It is a step back in class on Saturday, so it should be interesting and I hope to see him back to his best.”
Apprentice jockey Charlotte O’Beirne’s two kilo claim will result with Wyndspelle carrying 59kg, a regular impost for the weight-for-age galloper.
“He carries 59 kilos and it is a weight he carries pretty much everywhere he goes,” Benner said.
“His weight-for-age form is probably the second best in the country over the last couple of seasons.
“The last time he went into an open handicap was 12 months ago and he won.”
Benner said the aim was to land an elite-level victory with Wyndspelle, who has been Group One placed on six occasions.
“He is an entire, so we are aiming to win a Group One. He will head towards the Captain Cook Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m) in two weeks and he holds a nomination for the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m) and the Thorndon (Gr.1, 1600m).
“He is six-years-old now, so hopefully we can get a result in the next couple of months and without Melody Belle being here, he has got to be a good chance.”
Benner is also expecting progressive three-year-old Crowning Star (Hallowed Crown) to go close to breaking maiden ranks.
“She has shown a lot and arguably should have won on debut and just did a few things wrong. She was very good the other day without a trial or a jumpout. She is a filly that we have a bit of time for and we think she will be prominent late.”
Last start winner Cead Mile Failte (NZ) (Tavistock) is another strong prospect for the Benner/Wynard team at Awapuni on Saturday over 2200m in rating 72 grade.
“Her win was very good the other day and she has improved. She steps up in grade but she drops a kilo and a half, so she should run really well.”
