Benoni caught the eye when putting in an improved effort last time out and makes plenty of appeal at 12/1 in the 6.20 at Leicester this evening.
Henry Candy’s gelding left his maiden form behind when running out the decisive winner of a nursery at Haydock on heavy going on his final start last season.
After showing good pace to chase the leaders he made good headway to throw down a challenge approaching the final furlong and after being driven into the lead in the last furlong won going away by 3/4 of a length from Empowerment.
The son of Bertolini was well on top at the finish and value for more than the winning margin, and the race has thrown up plenty of subsequent winners to give the form a solid look.
He got put up 5lb for that success, and it’s fair to say that he ran well below his best when sent off the 3/1 favourite on his seasonal reappearance at Windsor last month when never able to get competitive and finishing just 6th of 9 to Dominate.
However he then put in a far better effort 12 days later over today’s course and distance when keeping on from off the pace to finish a never nearer fourth of 12 to Intrigo without being unduly knocked about.
It was an effort which suggested that 7f could now be what he needs to be seen at his best, and the handicapper has since dropped him 1lb to 72.
There is little doubt in my mind that he should be capable of winning races off that mark, and with two runs under his belt he should now be spot on to do himself justice.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Benoni (12/1 Betfred, Hills – BOG)
