Benefit Cut looks on a handy mark for his handicap debut in the 3.35 at Southwell today and is strongly fancied at 7/1 to make it a winning one.
The gelding was a bumper winner on his racecourse debut at MarketRasen when trained by Mark Rimell where he stayed on strongly to beat Up For An Oscar )now rated 123 over hurdles) by 2 1/4 lengths.
He then joined Renee Robeson and after finishing a second on his hurdles debut at Leicester but a few disappointing efforts behind him to run out the easy winner of an 18-runner novice hurdle at kempton on his final start of 2012.
The seven-year-old raced prominently throughout that day and after being pushed clear two from home kept on strongly to easily beat Pearls Legend by 6 lengths.
The runner-up had previously won a handicap hurdle off a mark of 117 and was rated 121 on the day, while the fourth home Uhlan Bute – who was beaten just over 14 lengths – bolted up on his next start in a maiden hurdle here by 13 lengths.
That looks pretty strong form in the context of this contest and makes the selection look on a handy mark off 113 after making a promising reapperance at Market rasen last month after 165 days on the sidelines.
He looked as if in need of the run that day and ran accordingly in the race itself where he led until three out before keeping on at the one pace to finish third of 8 to the well-regarded Spirit Of Shankley.
Altough eventually veaten just over 17 lengths he was not knocked about one it was clear he would not be winning, and with that run under his belt he should now be spot on to do himself justice.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Benefit Cut (7/1 Boylesports, Coral, Stan James – BOG)