Having her second run back from a spell and stepping up quickly in trip from 1200 metres to 1600 metres, Benfica Princess led until her condition gave out over the final furlong.
She did well to hang on to third behind Candika, but the Kelly Doughty trained filly will derive much benefit from the run and looks well placed to move forward through the three year-old fillies stakes program heaving towards the Group I BRC Queensland Oaks on June 10.
With three wins and three placings from 14 starts and prizemoney topping $63,000,
Benfica Princess is the third winner for Made of Gold (USA) mare Made of
Dreams, who traces in tail female line to champion mare Emancipation.She is one of 10 winners from less than 30 runners for Benfica, whose oldest progeny are just three year-olds with smart stakes-winner Eusebio his flagbearer.
By champion sire Lonhro from the family of champion filly Riverina Charm, a four-time Group I winner up to 2000 metres, Benfica has classic elements in his pedigree which would make for no surprise to see him sire some quality middle distance horses as his stock mature.
A Group I winner of the BRC TJ Smith Stakes over 1600 metres at two, Benfica stands at a fee of $4,400.
