Noonan beaming again after win

The disappointment of unbeaten two-year-old filly Ortensia's late withdrawal from the Blue Sapphire Stakes after a pre-race mishap was quickly turned around for trainer Tony Noonan when Beaming won the following event at Caulfield.

Ortensia had been $1.80 favourite for the Listed Race but flipped over in the mounting yard.

She subsequently made her way to the barriers where she was examined by vets and scratched.

"There was no way she was going to be able to run after lying down like she did," Noonan said.

"She's a bit sore but she was going out for a spell after today anyway and we'll get her ready for the spring."

But Noonan was in good spirits after seeing three-year-old Beaming power home to claim the L U Simon Builders Plate (1100m) with leading apprentice Sebastian Murphy aboard.

"She's a good filly. She hasn't had a real lot of luck in her races and is still learning," Noonan said.

"She likes that little bit of room, but once she got into the clear she sprinted well.

"I'll probably give her one more and then go to the paddock and come back in the spring with her.

"She's just an honest filly. She's not very big but she's honest, she's earned a cheque every start."

Sent out the $3.60 favourite, Beaming scored by a long neck from Pride Of Kingston ($26) with the previously unbeaten Magic Of Melbourne ($4.60) a long neck away third.

Earlier the consistent Robert Smerdon-trained Benson made it three city wins from his past six starts in the Contempler Hcp (1800m).

The Danehill five-year-old was formerly owned by Lloyd Williams before being bought by a group of Smerdon's stable clients headed by the Clay Hero Syndicate, managed by Bill Lanyon.

Ridden by Luke Nolen, Benson ($6) enjoyed a nice trail in third place before bursting through a gap in the straight to score by 1-1/4 lengths from Fast Future ($5.50) with race leader Like It Is ($4.80) a long neck away third.

"He's been very consistent, goes on all surfaces and the 1800m helped too," Smerdon said.

Benson was having his 30th start today and took his record to seven wins, 13 placings and $176,200.