Globetrotting superstar Benbatl is set to round his season off on British Champions Day at Ascot in the QEII after landing the Group Two Joel Stakes at Newmarket for the second time in his career.
The son of Dubawi is a Group One winner in Dubai, Germany and Australia and was impressive on his first run of last season in the 2020 Joel Stakes, finishing third behind Guineas winner Kameko with his handler explaining his six year old lacked a little bit of race fitness.
With slight complications he wasn't seen again last term and returned at Goodwood this season in the Group Two Celebration Mile and having ran a cracker he went down by a short head.
🌍 The globetrotter does it again
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 24, 2021
The likeable Benbatl records a second Joel Stakes victory for @godolphin, @oismurphy & Saeed bin Suroor at @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/ZOfnA0an2b
Having had that run he improved once more to take out the Joel Stakes for a second time in his career on what was a stellar few days at Newmarket for his trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
It now seems to be all systems go for a second crack of the QEII with the seven year old looking to go better than he did in the race in 2019.
(Credit ATR) “He is in very good form – he has come out of the race very fresh and happy,” said the trainer.
“The plan now is to run him in the QEII, as long as the ground suits him – he doesn’t like soft ground.
“He is entered in the Champion Stakes on Champions Day as well, so we will see.”
Bin Suroor added: “He will have one more race this year and we will see how he runs before we decide about next year.”