Benheir looks a staying chaser who has more to offer and makes plenty of appeal at 22/1 in today Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick (3.35).
Rebecca Curtis’ charge showed a decent level of form as a hurdler, winning twice and finishing 12th of 20 to the ill-fated Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett at last year’s Cheltenham Festival.
He opened his account over fences at the third time of asking when slamming Oscargo by 13 lengths over 3m 2f at Fontwell, and after disappointing next time up bounced back to form when staying on strongly in the mud to beat Master Neo by 8 lengths at Ffos Las off a mark of 130.
That race was over 3m 1f and after a couple of slow jumps he really got going at the business end of affairs to grind his rivals into the ground.
He looks the type that will relish today’s 3m 5f trip and was far from disgraced last time out when chasing home former Hennessy winner Carruthers at Ffos Las off his current mark of 137.
The seven-year-old has a progressive profile and remains open to improvement after only six starts over the larger obstacles, and his rider Patrick Corbett takes another 7lb off his back and is well worth his claim.
His owners came close to landing the Welsh National with Teaforthree last weekend, and I think Benheiier is overpriced to gain them some compensation in this valuable contest.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Benheir (22/1 BetVictor, Stan James – BOG)