KEY POINTS:
If you think Pembrook Benny is good now, just wait until he knows what he is doing.
That is the tip from co-trainer Scott Phelan as the north's most exciting newcomer aims for his third straight win at Alexandra Park tonight.
Pembrook Benny has been so impressive since joining Phelan and senior training Barry Purdon over the winter the pair last week advised the colt's owners to pay a late entry fee to the Sires' Stakes.
While that doesn't come cheap, Phelan expects Pembrook Benny to pay it back tonight.
He has drawn wide against some smart opponents, including electrifying last-start winner Lady Cullen, but he may simply be in a different class.
"He is one of the most exciting horses I have driven," admitted Phelan.
"He is already very good but we are sure he is going to get a lot better.
"He has real speed but can still be very goofy. He has a lot to learn so when he gets it all together he should be a top horse."
Pembrook Benny confirmed that when he unwound a blistering 26.8s last 400m to win last start, a performance made all the more impressive by runner-up Palomine bolting to victory at his next start.
Tonight's race will be his final lead-up to the opening Sires' Stakes heat at Cambridge in two weeks and Pembrook Benny is now looking a serious hope in the series, particularly as last season's juvenile crop unearthed few superstars.
With that in mind Phelan will drive the colt confidently tonight in an attempt to dodge any traffic concerns from the wide draw.
"He has the gate speed to go forward and put himself in the race."
Like Pembrook Benny, Phelan has made a great start to the new season, driving most of the winners he has trained in partnership with Purdon.
He says his resurgence as a driver has come through increased confidence obtained from driving better horses.
"In the last few seasons I haven't driven as much and when that happens you can be guilty of trying a little too hard," he said.
"But thanks to the support from Barry and the owners I am now on some lovely horses and I can relax more and just go out and drive."
Phelan rates The Navigator (race one) and Kuai Diam (race 10) as horses to follow, though he thinks they could struggle to win tonight.
The stable is also thrilled with the progress of Power Of Tara, who has been backed from $41 to $21 for the New Zealand Cup.
Power Of Tara, second to Cup favourite Changeover at the Alexandra Park workouts on Tuesday, is likely to resume next Friday night.
Pembrook Benny is just one of a number of star three-year-olds on show at the meeting, with Sound Of Thunder, Maheer Skipper, Ball McCartney, Lady Cullen, Swaps and Dash all worth following.
