Southwell preview: Benenden weighted to strike
Published:
David Metcalf | June 20, 2016
Benenden can collect for Scu brothers
Benenden can take advantage of a handy mark to land the 3m handicap hurdle on today’s card at Southwell (16.45).
The Michael Scudamore trained gelding has just one win to his name, and that came in a class 4 handicap chase at Musselburgh back in January where he bolted up by eight lengths off a mark of 115.
Benenden got hit with a 10lb rise for that runaway success and has failed to sparkle in four subsequent starts in class 3 company.
However, the eight-year-old now reverts to hurdles off a reduced rating of career-low rating of just 112 and that gives him major claims from a handicapping perspective.
Benenden also now drops back down into class 4 company, and with Tom Scudamore in the saddle this looks a great opportunity for him to get back on the scoresheet.
Lots to like about Brother Scott
In the 3m handicap chase (15.15), Brother Scott can cash-in on a drop in the weights to land the spoils.
The Sue Smith trained nine-year-old was last successful at Hexham nine months ago when gamely scoring by a neck off a mark of 92.
Brother Scott has since run well to finish runner-up on three occasions, twice off a rating of 101, and is now able to race off 93.
That gives the gelding a big shout at the weights and he comes into the contest having shaped as if returning to form last time out when fourth at Hexham.
Lava Lamp weighted to shine
Lava Lamp is not the easiest to catch right, but if putting his best foot forward is weighted to take all the beating in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle that closes proceedings (17.15).
The Evan Williams trained gelding has not scored since landing a class 3 contest at Newton Abbot 11 months ago off a mark of 113, but is now able to race in this lower grade class 4 affair off a rating of just 108.
That is the lowest mark the nine-year-old has raced off in over three years, and Lava Lamp comes into the contest on the back of a much improved effort at Uttoxeter five days ago when staying on in eye-catching fashion to finish a 2 1/4 length fourth.
It was a performance which suggested Lava Lamp’s time was near, and if building on it the son of Shamardal can get back in the winners’ enclosure.
Selections
14.15: Steps And Stairs
14.45: Never Up
15.15: Brother Scott
15.45: Miss Sassypants
16.15: Blagapar
16.45: Benenden (NAP)
17.15: Lava Lamp (NB)
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