John Sadler has experienced notable success with with his talented racing contingent already this season, and believes he may have unearthed a legitimate 2015 Crown Oaks (2500m) contestant in Bengal Cat.
Bengal Cat has appeared at the races only three times competitively since debuting in January, but more than stamped her claims as one to watch in the Murray Cox Handicap (1400m) at Flemington over the weekend, in which she produced a monumental turn of foot to beat clear favourite El Greco on the line.
Sadler was understandably thrilled with Bengal Cat’s maiden win over the weekend and believes she is capable of progressing into a serious Oaks filly in her own right.
“I was hoping for that, I really was – the horses have been running well but we haven’t been winning races,” Sadler told Racing Victoria.
“I really thought she’d run well, she’s very green and got a lot to learn. It wasn’t until she got out into the clear that she really let go.
“You just look at her and she’s got a lovely disposition. I’m really excited about her.
“Just maybe she could be an Oaks filly.”
Having contested only two starts this time in, Sadler revealed the Bernardini filly will likely have one more race before being put away for her three-year-old campaign through the Spring Carnival.
“I’m hopeful of bringing her back here in a fortnight and getting black-type with her (in the Listed Gibson Carmichael Stakes) and then putting her away,” he said.
Finishing sixth in a Bendigo minor over 1000m on debut, Bengal Cat returned this time for a credible third in the Pendragon @ Think Big Stud Handicap (1200m) on June 6th.
Pasadena Girl remains outright $8 favourite in early 2015 Crown Oaks betting markets.