Globetrotting multiple Group 1 winner Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is fresh off a record-breaking G2 Joel S. victory at Newmarket, has been confirmed for QIPCO Champions Day on Oct. 16, as long as the ground is not too heavy. The Godolphin colourbearer, who has earned top-drawer victories in Dubai, Germany and Australia, was winning his second Joel S. His first start of the season was a second in the G2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood in August after almost a year away from the racecourse. Benbatl holds entries in both the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. over a mile and the 1 1/4-mile G1 Champion S.
“He is in very good form–he has come out of the race very fresh and happy,” said trainer Saeed bin Suroor of the two-time Joel S. winner. “The plan now is to run him in the QEII, as long as the ground suits him–he doesn't like soft ground. He is entered in the Champion S. on Champions Day as well, so we will see.”
The 7-year-old's future plans after Champions Day are up in the air.
“He will have one more race this year and we will see how he runs before we decide about next year,” bin Suroor added.
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