Great relief to see Bethencourt bounce back and score a gutsy 1.6 length win in the Summer Provincial heat over 1600m at Gosford on Saturday with 3kg rider Anna Roper aboard.
Running first-up in the first heat of the summer series over 1350m at Wyong 2 weeks ago Bethencourt failed to flatter on the hard track so it was great to see him handle that good 4 circuit at Gosford where there is decent grass cover which provides that bit of cushion.
Rated a BM 88 and a winner of 5 races, the series run under set weight conditions was a very good option for Bethencourt where he was extremely well-placed and even more so on Saturday when the stable elected to take advantage of the 3kg claim which saw him carry 56kgs.
Ridden forward Bethencourt was caught 3 wide early before finally settling outside the leader and after getting a couple of softer sectionals mid-race he was able to give a good kick in the home straight.
All roads now lead to the $150,000 final which will be run over 1600m at Hawkesbury on the 15th of December.
Congratulations to all his owners and to all the team!