TAIPA'S Benji can stamp himself worthy Macau Jockey Club Derby material by taking this afternoon's Macau Derby Trial.
There could well be an improver or two over the coming weeks who will go past Benji come Derby day, but at the moment he should dominate this set-weight affair.
He's the second highest rated horse in the event and Drill King, the only one rated superior to him by the official handicapper, is a huge doubt at the 1,500-metre trip.
The conditions of the race suit Benji as the trip is not a problem; he can race handy and thus take a position near the fence where the ground looks to be markedly quicker, and he will appreciate the drying conditions.
Multi Success and Lucky Governor could be the hardest for Benji to beat. They are both very progressive types and come into the race in good form. They are not too badly off at the weights either.
For the future, it could well pay to keep a close eye on Ocean Grove as he is open to considerable improvement and had good form in Australia. This race could be coming a bit soon for him but it could set him up nicely for the Derby itself.
