Rising star Bentles will be set for the Magic Millions carnival after completing a hat-trick at the Ipswich metro meeting on Wednesday and was part of a double for his sire with Baylie Louise saluting in Sydney.
The son of Vinery sire Onemorenomore started an odds-on favourite first-up and shattered the class record by a full second in the in the Sirromet Winery Hcp (1350m). He had also clocked a new mark for 1600m in his previous win at Doomben in August.
Bentles has improved out of sight since being gelded earlier this year. “He just goes about his business with no fuss and delivers 100% now,” trainer Tony Gollan said. “I’m not going to rush him but I reckon he can be competitive if we get a start in the Magic Millions.”
Gollan is aiming him towards the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (1800m) at the Gold Coast on January 9.
Bentles (4g Onemorenomore – Lady Gracious by Redoute’s Choice) is a half-brother to LR VRC Gibson Carmichael Stakes winner Affable (Husson) and his dam is a Sydney winning half-sister to Group 1 sire Turffontein.
Australian Thoroughbreds manager Jamie Bourke purchased him for $55,000 at the 2014 Patinack Farm dispersal sale.
Onemorenomore stands at Vinery for a $6,600 (inc gst) fee and his last-start Ascot winner Tonto can begin the New Year with a black-type victory in the G2 Perth Cup (2400m) on January 2.
