Flemington straight set for Befuddle's strong showing
Trainer John Sadler relies on Befuddle's familiarity with the Flemington straight to deliver positive results in her upcoming appearance.
She takes her place in Saturday's HKJC World Pool Trophy (1100m), her second race after an 11-month absence.
The filly, a daughter of Hanseatic, didn't hit top form in spring, but Sadler was pleased with her fourth at Caulfield Heath on February 9 when she resumed.
"For a horse that had been off the scene for a long time, she ran very well at Caulfield Heath," Sadler said.
"She got very tired late, but they did run along, and she led them up and there were some quick horses in that race.
"We got her to the trial stage in the spring, but she just didn't come up, so I tipped her out.
"There were no lameness issues or anything like that, she just didn't look right.
"I'm happy with how she's going but I still think she might be one race away, however I'm expecting her to run really well."
Previously, Befuddle has negotiated the Flemington straight twice.
She was sixth to Tentyris in her debut there during the Talindert Stakes (1100m), before placing third three starts on in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m), her most recent run prior to this month's return.
"Before we figured out to let her stride, she was held up in the Talindert behind Tentyris where she over-raced shockingly," Sadler said.
"Her run was actually a hell of a lot better than what it looks on paper.
"She came out a start later and led all-the-way at Moonee Valley and then went to Caulfield and ran second in The Showdown.
"I've always had a better opinion of her than what the market suggests and I hope I turn out to be right."
The Troubleshooter, a younger half-brother to Befuddle out of I Am Immortal, debuts at Flemington on Saturday in the Listed TAB We're On (1000m).
According to Sadler, the two-year-old is well-prepared and talented.
"He's ready to run well, but it will depend on the others and how he handles the straight at his first start," Sadler said.
Head to the online bookmakers to find the keenest racing betting markets for the HKJC World Pool Trophy.
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