New trainer for defending champion

REIGNING champion Boncel Benjamin has a new trainer on the eve of his Inter Dominion title defence.

Prepared by Tim McGuigan during his last two starts, Boncel Benjamin has been transferred to Ryan Duffy in what is the eighth time the gelding has changed stables.

Boncel Benjamin is owned by Duffy's mother, Julia, and has previously been trained by his father, Steven.

The son of Grinfromeartoear was a member of Jason Grimson's team when he created history at Club Menangle last year.

Although second past the post behind Expensive Ego, Boncel Benjamin became the first runner in the Championship's 85-year history to be declared the victor via protest.

Unable to grace the winners' during the past year, Boncel Benjamin has only managed one second and has been beaten by an average of 33 metres.

Set to begin from barrier six in the third pacing heat in Ballarat on Saturday night, Boncel Benjamin is the rank outsider at $151 with TAB Fixed Odds.

Better Eclipse is the $2.10 favourite from the pole.