MARIA’S BENEFIT could be an exciting prospect in novice chases if she attacks fences with the same enthusiasm as she did hurdles. Stuart Edmunds’ mare won five times from the front last season, including a Listed race and a Grade 2, and she was far from disgraced at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Knocknanuss handles all types of going and has already won a point-to-point so the switches to fences should suit. Desirable Court has changed stables since her third at Worcester in August and this looks on the short side.
Desirable Court (IRE) 4-6fav (11-0) Tracked clear pair, close up 4 out, went 2nd after next, soon driven and one pace, ridden after last, kept on, no impression with winner, 3rd of 5, 14 1/2l behind Bugsie Malone (11-0) at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Aug.
Knocknanuss (IRE) 4-1 (11-1) Keen close up in rear, ridden 2 out, kept on to go a never dangerous 4th, 4th of 6, 21l behind Landin (10-6) at Lingfield 2m 3f hcp (2) hvy in Mar.
Maria's Benefit (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Took keen hold, led but pressed by rival, clear with that rival after 2nd until before 2 out, headed between last 2, no chance with winner, hung left then right flat, soon lost 2nd and weakened, 4th of 14, 19 3/4l behind Laurina (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) sft in Mar.
