After three months preparatory work four-year-old mare Traconi is finally ready to resume for new trainer Stephen Bennett at Ballina on Saturday.
The daughter of Nicconi is scheduled to tackle the Slipway Hotel Benchmark 55 Hcp over the 1010m scamper.
A long term friendship with part-owners – father and son Murry and Anthony Mcqueen – was the catalyst to Bennet taking over the training of the mare who was formerly with Tom Button in North Queensland after beginning her career with Matthew Dunn at Murwillumbah.
The Mcqueen’s were originally from Casino but later moved to Pottsville.
“I’ve known them all my life,” Bennett said. “They rang me and asked if I’d like to train the mare.
“I’ve had her for three months. She’s going pretty good.”
After her last start under Button at Gladstone on September 29 last year, Traconi underwent an operation.
Vets found a large ball of intwined hay in her bowel and she later developed colic.
The operation and subsequent problems are behind the mare now. She has had 216 days away from racing.
Bennett trialled Traconi over 1000m at Casino on April 16, the mare scoring well by 0.8 lengths.
“She was a bit underdone going into the trial but she trialled up good,” Bennett said. “I think she’s improved since.
“She’s a very good eater, a lovely mare and very quiet.
“I’ve got to kick her off somewhere and Saturday’s race, while not ideal because she takes on horses who have won more races, it’s a good starting point.
“I’m hopeful she can run well. I think she’ll acquit herself well.”
Traconi had five starts with Dunn failing to win a race but scored twice for Button up north. She is a mare that has good gate speed when required.
Matthew Bennett (no relation) takes the reins, Traconi jumping from barrier 11 with 58kg.
– Racing NSW
