Set to have his first Australian runners this season, Wootton Bassett (GB) added a new juvenile stakes-winner to his tally overnight in the UK where progressive colt Benevento won the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes (7f) at Doncaster.
Trained by Raphael Freire and ridden by David Egan, Benevento was having his third start following a debut win at Yarmouth in May and then a second in the Listed Ripon Champion 2YO Trophy last month.
He enjoyed a step out 7f and was strong to the line in forging clear to win by half a length.
“I’m delighted. I expected him to take a big step forward from Ripon,” said Freire.
“They are so unexposed these horses, you never know what you are really up against, but I certainly expected him to run a good race.
“It looked like he needed to step up in trip when he finished second last time and I expected Doncaster to suit him better than Ripon as there are less undulations. It’s a nice, flat track which enabled him to travel easy and finish his race.
“I don’t know if he’ll run again, we’ll all discuss it. I think he’ll get a mile, but whether he needs to this season, I’m not so sure.”
Benevento does hold an entry for the Group I Doncaster Futurity Trophy over 1m next month.
Benevento was sold as a foal at Goffs November for 140,000 euros and then made 140,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2 when bought by Robson Aguiar / Ben McElroy Agent For Amo Racing.
Benevento is the first stakes-winner among three winners from Group II winning Whipper mare Pollyanna.
He is the 49th stakes-winner for Wootton Bassett, who is having a great season with his two year-olds siring 24 winners so far in 2024 including six stakes-winners from 56 starters.
