Jehbenti set for Caulfield debut

The Shane Nichols-trained Jehbenti will not be lacking for fitness when he steps out for his first race start at Caulfield.

Jehbenti is engaged in The McCafe Handicap (1000m) on Saturday and while he is the only debutant in the race, he has had a number of jump-outs and trials to prepare for his first start.

In total, Jehbenti has had two official trials and seven jump-outs ahead of Saturday’s contest which will be the first meeting back at Caulfield since Zipping Classic Day last November.

A winner of a Moe trial on June 5, Nichols took advantage of giving Jehbenti a look at Saturday’s course in a jump-out at Caulfield on June 13.

“He trialled up really well in the jump-out,” Nichols said.

“He didn’t run super time, but he won easily, and we didn’t really want to let him down off bridle.

“He’s drawn in barrier one on Saturday which forces our hand a little bit to be positive from the gate.

“He’s the only unraced horse in the field, so he lacks a bit of that race smarts, but he’s a promising horse that has a nice bit of ability.

“Whether he’s seasoned enough to beat horses that have race, we’ll find out on Saturday, but he’ll progress to a good level of racing, whether that is on Saturday or in weeks to come.”

Nichols said Jehbenti’s delayed start to his racing career had been brought about by the son of Hellbent going shin sore in his previous preparations.

The colt has three jump-outs late last year and a trial and two jump-outs during the autumn.

“We thought he might have been an autumn two-year-old, but he kept going shin-sore, so we looked after him and he’s come back well,” Nichols said.

“He’s a sensible colt and done everything we’ve asked of him thus far.

“He’s fit enough to run well. He’s done enough work.”

Nichols said he did not have clients when he specked Jehbenti for $180,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale last year.

“I syndicated him up amongst some good clients. It took a while to syndicate him actually,” Nichols said.

“He’d had a couple of trials before he was all sold.

“The owners have already knocked back an offer from Hong Kong and they’re all looking forward to getting to the races with him.”