Belford reunion sparks Federal Cash

By Josh Spasaro 

Federal Cash has reunited with his original trainer, Bradley Belford, in spectacular fashion.

So much so that he has been “a different dog” since his first start at Townsville on May 1.

As a result, the three-year-old by Cosmic Rumble and out of Jilliby Emmie should be tough to beat over 643 metres on Tuesday night.

The white and blue dog broke the track record with a time of 37.30 seconds on June 2, saluting by six-and-a-half lengths over Navabi for Hayley Wooler.

He then equalled that record just a week later, prevailing by three quarters of a length over Slim Nikita for Mark Partland.

Part-owner Morgan Benjes has been delighted with his staying efforts in North Queensland.

“He’s a different dog since he went up. Brad had him originally right from when he was broken in,” he said.

“And, then he got moved around here and there with a few other trainers.

“But, Brad has got the best out of him once he went back home. He kept saying to me ‘once we step him up, you’ll see a different dog’.”

Federal Cash was a good chaser at Q1 Lakeside and Q2 Parklands, notching five wins.

But, he has found a groove under Belford in Townsville, saluting in three of his past four starts, with two of those over 643 metres.

“He had a few 600 metre races at The Q and over 550 metres. He went all right,” Benjes said.

“But, then he went up there and Brad has worked his magic with him. He obviously enjoys Brad’s kennel.

“He just went bang and did a track record at his first look over 643 metres.”

Benjes said Belford put the welfare of Federal Cash first, who will jump from box four in the $5,230 Tzouvelis Racing Stayers Challenge on Tuesday night.

“There were a couple of niggles with him. He gave him a bit of time off and just knows the dog,” he said.

“He’s looked after him and got him back and he’s absolutely powering home now, as you can see.

“I don’t think it matters where he’s drawn. My concern is Blue Boy (kennelmate Federal Blue Boy) out there in the seven is a bit quicker out.

“I’d prefer them drawn the other way around.”

As well as his brilliant finishing ability, Benjes praised Federal Cash’s toughness.

He finished third in his last start over 643 metres on June 23. 

That was when he found trouble early, but fought back strongly to finish three-and-a-quarter lengths behind Amber Annie for Partland.

“He manages to find trouble, that dog, unfortunately,” Benjes said.

“But, he’s very good at getting out of it, as well. If he can find a bit of room early, I think he’s in with a good chance.

“Obviously, the two (Slim Nikita) is a concern. That dog can run a bit of speed. But, I think we’re quietly confident if the seven, his kennelmate, doesn’t annoy him too much.”

Meanwhile, Benjes said he was delighted with Federal Sniper’s massive win for New South Wales trainer Jason Mackay at The Gardens last Friday night.

“We’ve got some very smart pups with Jason Mackay at the moment,” he said.

“Federal Sniper by El Grand Senor had his first look at 515 metres at The Gardens on Friday night.

“He won by almost 13 lengths in 29.52 seconds on a pretty boggy track.

“Jason reckons he’s got two pretty smart ones of mine (also Federal Player), so I’m just hoping they stay sound and we can start having a crack at the heats of the Million Dollar Chase or Melbourne Cup.”