14th-Mar-2013

I am also backing Benefficient. We had him on side (with a run) for the Arkle (and you have to think that he would have been at least placed in that) before he was scratched, and I can’t resist getting him on side again for this race, over what is probably a more suitable trip.

He is just an under-rated horse. He didn’t get due credit for winning his Grade 1 race over hurdles, and he didn’t get due credit for beating Oscars Well after Arvika Ligeonniere had fallen in the Irish Arkle last time. The three-mile trip just stretched his stamina beyond its limit when he got caught on the line by Harry Topper at Newbury in November, and he should be much happier back over this trip. Tony Martin’s horses ran well in the Bumper yesterday, the yard continues to be in good form and, while Benefficient may be out-classed here, he may not be, and he shouldn’t be a 22/1 shot.

BENEFFICIENT WON (ADV 22/1, SP 20/1)