Andrew Asquith provides an overview of the key things to note on Thursday.
Three points of interest
Ben Solo of interest back at Chepstow
The Russell Property Consultants Handicap Chase (15:32) at Chepstow is a useful race for a midweek fixture, won by Saint Segal 12 months ago, who has since graduated into graded company this season.
The Rebecca Curtis-trained Ben Solo will have to progress a far bit to reach similar heights, but he’s raised his form substantially over fences this season, and he remains on a good mark.
He showed the benefit of his debut in this sphere when opening his account over course and distance in November, well suited by the step back up in trip and impressing with his jumping.
Ben Solo was unable to land the odds back here next time, but was beaten only by another well-treated rival, and he was unlucky not to quickly resume winning ways over the Christmas period.
He was half a length up and going better than everything else when falling at three out, looking the likeliest winner at the time of his departure – he traded at 1.30 in running on Betfair. His latest run in the Golden Miller handicap at the Cheltenham Festival can be easily excused, flying to high on that occasion and racing from 5lb out the weights.
The return to his favoured Chepstow – he has the Horse For Courses Flag – will be in his favour and, back racing from his correct mark, there should be more to come from him back taking on more exposed sorts.
Benefit Ben will take some catching
Adam Nicol is one of the most in-form trainers around on Timeform’s scale, saddling five winners from his last eight runners, earning him the Hot Trainer Flag, and Benefit Ben looks another good chance for him in the Racing TV Profits Returned To Racing Handicap Chase (15:40) at Kelso.
His recent form figure aren’t so inspiring, but two of those efforts came over hurdles, one easily excused given he went off too hard, and he caught the eye back over fences at Sedgefield two weeks ago.
Benefit Ben had the blinkers back on (retained) that day and looked set to go very close, typically going with plenty of zest on the front end, his jumping not always fluent, but he was still a length to the good when falling two from home.
He looked the likeliest winner at the time of his departure – he has the Horse In Focus Flag as a result – and, provided his jumping holds up, he should take a fair bit of catching at this track in what looks a winnable event.
Guet Apens looks well treated
Guet Apens was a useful stayer on the Flat for Andre Fabre and was picked up cheaply at 28,000 guineas by current connections with that in mind. He’s made a good start over hurdles, too, and looks very interesting in the Let’s Get Ladies Day Ready Handicap Hurdle (16:15) at Kelso.
He wasn’t fancied in the betting, but showed an aptitude for hurdling when third over two miles at Musselburgh on his debut, unsurprisingly leaving the impression he’d sharpen up on his first start for 19 months.
That track and trip was likely too sharp for him also and he was much improved when opening his account up slightly in trip at Carlisle last month, much stronger in the market and quickly asserting after the last.
Guet Apens should have much more to offer in this sphere, especially now handicapping from a mark of 103, which looks particularly lenient based on his flat form. This step up to two and a half miles will also help and there’s plenty to like about his chance.
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