Michael Moroney and Glen Thompson have Benagil ‘spot on’ for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas

Swooper Benagil is primed to peak fourth-up in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) on Saturday at Caulfield.

Swooper Benagil could be a factor late in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) on Saturday at Caulfield.

The Michael Moroney and Glen Thompson-trained filly recorded the fastest late sectionals in the Group 3 Vanity (1400m) last start at Flemington to charge into fifth place.

“We thought she was pretty unlucky the other day,” Thompson said.

“She got caught behind them, still doing a few little things wrong, and if she could’ve got to the outside at the top of the straight we thought she could’ve given it a good shake.

“Stepping up to the mile looks like will suit her down to the ground … we think she’s a really good chance.”

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Aeliana is a $3.40 favourite with Ladbrokes from Zeitung ($4.20), Lovelycut ($12) and Benagil ($12).

Benagil, who finished 2.2 lengths behind Zeitung last start in the Vanity, has built steadily in her Thousand Guineas campaign.

“She’s spot on,” Thompson said.

“She’s drawn a little bit tricky, I would’ve liked a little bit kinder gate (barrier 10) but she’ll probably get back similar to the other and hopefully she’s hitting the line like she did.

“I think if she had a bit more luck the other day she would’ve just about beaten most of them.

“There’s no reason why she can’t give it a good shake on Saturday.”

• Clinton Payne’s 2024 Thousand Guineas runner-by-runner form analysis, tips

Thompson has five runners at Caulfield on Saturday including Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes contenders War Machine ($14), Buffalo River ($41) and Run Harry Run ($41).

“They’re all chances, Buffalo when he’s on song he always runs a big race and can give them something to catch,” Thompson said.

“The other two are both horses on the way up, Run Harry Run has got form, not beaten too far behind Another Wil and Jimmysstar his first two runs back from a spell.

• Jett Hatton’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes runner-by-runner form analysis, tips

“Blinkers on first time Saturday, if he can find a couple lengths with them he might be right in the race.”

Meanwhile, Milford is a $14 chance in the Victorian Country Cup Final (2000m).

The Caulfield specialist, who’s won three of nine starts at the track and been runner-up twice, has saluted third-up previously.

Originally published as Michael Moroney and Glen Thompson have Benagil ‘spot on’ for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas