Bennett Racing 4yo mare Cheval Chic showed a great turn of foot to mow them down and win at Geelong on Friday. The mare was coming off a solid run 1st up for 5th at Cranbourne when well in the market and showed she had taken good benefit from that. She had a little freshen up between that run and Friday’s and that did show as the mare did quite anxious and sweating up considerably.
Track conditions certainly did play in her favour as she had shown a liking for cut in the ground. She jumped well and jockey John Allen allowed her to settle three wide with cover and just off the solid pace. There was plenty of good early speed but she looked well settled throughout the race and coming to the turn Cheval Chic got a run through the field. John made his move at the turn into the straight just as the leader kicked for home but she really responded to his urgings and set out after the leader. Cheval Chic really knuckled down before hitting the lead a couple of strides from home for a terrific strong win.
Although a 4yo now, Cheval Chic may finally deliver on the promise she has shown throughout her career. The mare has now had only the 9 starts for 3 wins and 2 x 2nds with earnings of $81,625.
A really lovely daughter of Champion sire Written Tycoon, Cheval Chis was a 2021 MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase from the famed Mill Park Stud, Meningie for $180,000. She is the best progeny to race from the Gr2 placed Snitzel mare Moreau with her 3rd dam being a ½ sister to the freakishly talented Champion Arazi 4 time Gr1 winner at 2 incl Gr1 Breeders Cup Juvenile and Gr1 Sussex Stks winner Noverre.
Congratulations to all owners in this promising mare and thankyou to Danny O’Brien and his team for all the hard work put into the mare.