Benatar looks worth a punt at Plumpton

Racing: Winner’s penalty not expected to check five-year-old’s progress

BENATAR already features in the antepost markets for the Cheltenham Festival and, while March is still a long way off, he can take another step up the ladder at Plumpton.

Gary Moore pitches his charge into the Jill’s 80th Birthday Novices’ Chase after an impressive effort to win first time out over fences at Ascot at the beginning of the month.

The five-year-old had shown a chunk of ability in four hurdles outings last term, winning at Fontwell in January before a fine fourth behind Finian’s Oscar at Grade One level at Aintree.

The value of that eight-and-a-quarter-length defeat is there for all to see and he duly had to shoulder 12st on what was both his fencing and handicap debut.

Benatar made light work of that burden, stamping his mark on the race with a couple of fences to jump before cruising home with nearly four lengths to spare.

A 5lb winner’s penalty is not expected to check his progress.

MASTER BURBIDGE came unstuck on his return to action just over a week ago, but he should be given another chance in the Watch Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap Chase.

The six-year-old racked up three wins on the bounce at the end of last season, winning twice over hurdles before scoring when switched to fences at Sedgefield in April.

He looked as though he would take a hand in the finish at Wincanton on his reappearance, travelling on the bridle and just moving into contention when crashing out just as the race was really beginning in earnest.

Hopefully that mishap has not left its mark, and Master Burbidge could still be one on the upgrade.

CULTIVATOR can spearhead a good day for Nicky Henderson by winning the John O’Gaunt Beginners’ Chase at Leicester.

Henderson fields MELANGERIE in the Burton Overy Novices’ Hurdle and she will be on a retrieval mission after letting down favourite-backers last time out.

A dual bumper winner during the last campaign, Melangerie made a telling mistake at the second-last obstacle.

She should be wiser as a result and supporters should not lose faith yet. SELECTIONS: LEICESTER: 12.50 Red Square Revival, 1.20 Sky Of Stars, 1.50 Capitoul, 2.20 Cultivator, 2.50 Really Super, 3.20 Mr Jim, 3.50 Melangerie.

PLUMPTON: 1.10 Landin, 1.40 BENATAR (NAP), 2.10 Dalaman, 2.40 Rothman, 3.10 Master Burbidge, 3.40 Mab Dab.

DOUBLE: Melangerie and Benatar.