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Is 62kg enough to stop Pro Consul’s amazing winning streak continuing in Saturday’s $25,000 Watson McNamara & Watt Solicitors Guyra Cup (1400m) at Armidale?
“Hopefully not,” suggested the six-year-old gelding’s Scone based trainer Greg Bennett.
Pro Consul has been in career best for this campaign since resuming in November winning four of his past five starts the only blemish when beaten 4.2 lengths at Rosehill in January when there were excuses for the run.
Bennett, the man who broke in three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, said Pro Consul had continued to thrive since winning the Walcha Cup (1440m) with 60kg on February 5.
“He’s flying at the moment. It’s very pleasing,” Bennett said. “He’s a very happy horse and happy horses will try for you. That’s very important as fa as I’m concerned. It’s imperative they are happy. That’s why they race so well.”
Bennett can’t exactly put his finger on why the son or Reset has blossomed so much. There’s no secret to it, just the fact Bennett believes Pro Consul has fully matured and keeping him around the 1400 metre distance range despite the gelding being bred to get further.
“We’ve stayed away from 1600 metres this time, kept him to 1300 and 1400 metres,” Bennett added. “He’s loving that. That’s what he likes and keeping him on the fresh side.
“I ease off in his work. He spends a few days in the paddock after each run and swims. That seems to be the key to him.”
Eventually weight will catch up with Pro Consul. Bennett is a realist and understands the foregone conclusion.
“I don’t want to cart him up to Brisbane at the moment,” Bennett added. “We’ll take this one (the Guyra Cup) then see what happens. In the back of my mind is the Tamworth Cup or I could ease up on him and looks to the Scone carnival (in May) or Sydney when all the good horses are in Brisbane during the winter.
“The horse is feeling really good at the moment. He’s loving his work and loving his racing. He’s always had the ability but he’s racing better than ever.”
Pro Consul is used to carrying weight. His trackrider Tina Eveleigh weighs “around 61 or 62 kg” Bennett said.
“He’s not an overly big horse but he’s very strong,” Bennett added. “Hopefully they (handicappers) haven’t found his mark yet.”