Weight takes its toll on Benzini

Victorian galloper Self Sense has revelled in a return to a soft track to win the Ipswich Cup (2150m), the first part of a three-leg Queensland project.

The gelding, which was backed from $5 to start $3.40, burst away in the straight on Saturday to beat Benzini by 63⁄ lengths, with 21⁄ 4 4 lengths to Jumbo Prince in third.

Self Sense had run a 10-lengths 13th in the Brisbane Cup last week but there were excuses. Alex Woodhams, the stable spokesman for trainer David Brideoake, said the track at Doomben for the Cup had been on the too-hard side.

“He has been crying out for a soft track and a good barrier. He got that today.”

Woodhams said Self Sense would press on to the Caloundra Cup on the Sunshine Coast in a fortnight.

Veteran jockey Michael Cahill scored his first win in the Ipswich Cup after years of trying. “I have had some top rides in the Ipswich Cup and run minor placings but never won one before,” Cahill said.

Kelly McCulloch, who rode Benzini, said the gelding tried hard but had to give 6kg to the winner.

Benzini is also likely to press on to the Caloundra Cup.