3 minute read

Bad barriers can make the difference between winning and losing. In racing however, you’ve got to accept the cards that are dealt to you.

Scone trainer Greg Bennett, the man who broke in three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, is rueing the fact his handy galloper Pro Consul has again drawn wide at Armidale on Monday in the Mickerts Family/Hutchinson & Harlow Real Estate Walcha Cup Prelude (1300m).

The gelding came up with the extreme outside gate (11).

“He’s drawn in the car park,” Bennett quipped. “With that barrier we’ve just got to go with it, not much we can do.

“We’ll just have to hope Rachael (Murray) can get across, find a posy, and not be left too exposed.”

Bennett said despite the awkward draw he won’t be changing the gelding’s normal racing pattern.

“He’ll bounce out, push forward early and hopefully be in a prominent position,” Bennett added. “There’s no point changing everything around. That’s the way he likes to race. We will just need some luck.”

Pro Consul has returned from a 10 week spell in great order.

The son of Reset, got as a $9000 yearling and the winner of seven races and $148,530 prizemoney for Sydney based owner Paul Burke, resumed winning over 1100m at Scone on November 23.

He backed up again on his home track on December 18 winning over 1300m.

Last time out a wide barrier (12) put paid to his chances when 4.2 lengths 10th to Richard The First over 1200m at Rosehill on January 2.

“The barrier beat him at Randwick. He was never on the track,” Bennett rued. “You’ve just got to forget the run. His work’s been great since, 100 per cent. I’m very happy with him.

“He’s come back this time in good order. He’s a bit older now, more seasoned, stronger and I’ve stopped trying to get him out to a longer journey. He likes being kept on the fresh side. He’s just more relaxed in his racing pattern.”

Bennett and Burke also team up with Savvy Girl who resumes in the First National Real Estate Armidale F & M Benchmark 55 Hcp (1100m).