Bagot Handicap trip ideal for Bint El Bedu

Trainer Mick Price could not have stayer Bint El Bedu in any better order as she chases a first stakes race win at Flemington.

The four-year-old will be lining up for her 10th race start on Monday when she runs in the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m).

Price has always had Bint El Bedu labelled a stayer after she won her maiden over 1900m at Kilmore at her second race start.

Now a three-time winner, Bint El Bedu is coming off a last-start third behind Etah James and My Psychiatrist, rivals again on Monday, over 2420m at Caulfield on December 16.

Price said he was looking forward to getting the mare out to Monday’s distance.

“She’s a big ungainly mare that takes a bit to get going,” Price said.

“She’s always flat spotting in her races but is usually there at the end.

“She’s drawn barrier five which probably puts her rear of midfield and she doesn’t have a lot of tactical speed so she’s going to have to follow the right horse from the half-mile.

“But she’s in good order and it would be good to pick off a nice race with her.”

Price said Bint El Bedu had trained on nicely since her last-start placing and noted Monday’s race was not the strongest of Listed races.

The race is headed by Like A Carousel, the last-start Pakenham Cup winner, who will carry top weight of 60kg.

Etah James is currently the $4.20 favourite with Bint El Bedu second pick at $5 ahead of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Imperial Aviator at $7.

“She’s a workmanlike mare and it’s not the strongest Bagot we’ve seen,” Price said.

“I’m really happy with her and it’s a good opportunity to get some black-type.”