SMART SAMANGU RESUMES AGAINST SPEED MACHINE

GRAHAME Begg’s big opinion of Samangu is shown as he has set her goal as the Oakleigh Plate, but even he concedes she faces a challenge in taking on Beast Mode when she resumes in the Benchmark 90 (1000m) at Caulfield Heath on Saturday.

Begg pointed out that Beast Mode was a very fast horse who also loved Caulfield.

Will Hayes referred to Beast Mode as “the equine aeroplane” who had freshened up well since his last start third at Caulfield over 1100m behind Boston Rocks after winning his two previous races over 1000m.

Samangu has shown an affinity for Caulfield, having won five of her seven starts and she has recently won two Caulfield Heath jump-outs at the course’s inner track.

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“A trip away (from her Cranbourne base) is beneficial, they put a little bit more into their work with a trip away on the truck,” Begg said.

“1000 metres might be short for her, but she hasn’t raced for some time, so it’s a good starting point for her,” he said.

Begg said Samangu missed the Melbourne Spring Carnival due to a minor setback, but that could be a blessing in disguise as he can plot out a path to the Oakleigh Plate with her.

“The Oakleigh Plate could be a race that suits her very well,” Begg said.

Begg said it’s likely Samangu will race second up in the $175,000 listed W.J. Adams Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on January 24, ahead of a possible appearance in the $750,000 Group 1 Sportsbet Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on February 21.

Begg has a great record at Caulfield Heath with seven wins at 26.92% and 20 placings at 76.92% from only 26 starters at the new track.

Beast Mode is $2.15 favourite with Unibet and Samangu is $3.90.

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