BENATAR LOOKS YOUR BEST SHOT
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Uttoxeter – Nicky Henderson has found a straightforward opportunity for CHEF DES OBEAUX (nap) to get off the mark. He was beaten just three parts of a length on his British debut in a bumper at Newbury in March and ran to a higher level of form when also runner-up on his switch to timber at the same venue earlier this month. He was beaten that day only by his stable companion Santini and back in a distant fourth was Bill And Barn who won next time out at Chepstow. (%,,
Ascot – Henderson can also win the Grade Two novices’ hurdle on the feature card of the day with CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN. The winner of a point-to-point, this gelding had a busy campaign in bumpers last season, winning one at Haydock and picking up prize money with good efforts at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals behind respective Grade One scorers Fayonagh and Lalor. His hurdles bow at Newbury was much anticipated and he did not disappoint, simply shaken up from the last flight to pull clear of Lostintranslation. )%*'
Ascot – An intriguing three-horse affair with any one of the trio capable of winning this Grade Two test. Finian’s Oscar was beaten for only the second time under all codes behind Sceau Royal in the Grade One Henry VIII Chase at Sandown – but it is hard to forget how abjectly he jumped that day. Side instead with BENATAR, beaten eight lengths by the Colin Tizzard-trained favourite in an Aintree Grade One novices’ hurdle last season. He already looks a better prospect over fences after wins at Ascot and Plumpton. *%+'
Ascot – A hot Listed bumper closes the card with no fewer than 10 previous winners. There was a lot to like about the way BULLIONAIRE took command of a 20-runner field at Newbury last March and he remains an exciting talent. The only filly in the field – Posh Trish – is the best bet for forecasts on the strength of her recent Cheltenham win.