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Leda McNally heads to Sydney

Reinsman Chris Voak gave the all clear for Leda McNally to tackle Sydney's $200,000 Ladyship Mile (1609m) tomorrow week after her impressive all-the-way win at Gloucester Park last night.

Leda McNally ($1.40) rated 1:57.2 and scored by 2.5m from Sensational Gabby ($14.70), who faced the breeze, in the $18,000 MMJ Land Sales Empress Stakes Prelude (1) over 2130m.

Famous Alchemist ($4.20) finished a neck back in third place.

Connections waited on Voak's assessment of Leda McNally's performance last night before confirming her Sydney trip.

The alternative was a start in next Friday's $50,000 Empress Stakes (2536m) at Gloucester Park.

"Leda McNally is spot on and will be suited when racing against mares only in the Ladyship Mile at Menangle," Voak said. "She can run fast times and I believe she's up to matching Australasia's best mares in the mile.

"A lot will depend on the barrier draw. If getting a soft run in the Ladyship Mile, she'll be hard to beat."

Leda McNally, who won the $100,000 Mares' Classic at Gloucester Park in November, is booked on a Tuesday morning Sydney flight with $750,000 Inter Dominion Championship candidates Im Victorious and Livingontheinterest.

The Inters (3009m) will be run at Menangle tomorrow week.

Class pacer Hokonui Ben is also likely to tackle interstate missions as a result of his powerful win in last night's $50,000 MMJ Real Estate RWWA Cup (2536m).

The gelding's Queensland connections are keen for him to race in top Sydney and Melbourne company.

Hokonui Ben, who won the $400,000 WA Pacing Cup (2936m) on January 17 when prepared by Gary Hall, was last night having his second start since a transfer to trainer-reinsman Aldo Cortopassi.

He coasted back in the field and stormed home wide to beat pacemaker Northview Punter, trained by Hall.

Hokonui Ben ($7.40) had a neck margin over Northview Punter ($7.90) and David Hercules ($2.70 equal favourite), who covered extra ground, was 2.75m back in third place.

Other joint favourite This Time Dylan finished a close fourth after racing in third position on the pegs.

"Hokonui Ben ran a good sixth at his first start for me," Cortopassi said. "He's the best horse I've trained."