Benbulben can make winning start over fences
A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, this triple bumper-winner has always looked an exciting chasing prospect and, denied an opportunity when Punchestown was cancelled last Wednesday.
But Gordon Elliott has found a good opportunity for Barry Connell’s seven-year-old Beneficial gelding in the www.tipperaryraces.ie Beginners Chase, even if the trip, two miles and a furlong, is short of his optimum.
Winner of his maiden hurdle in Thurles, Mount Benbulben went on to last the Grade 2 Monksfield Novice Hurdle in Navan, beating Rebel Fitz before being outpointed by the very useful Bost Bob in a Grade 1 on the same track.
And he disappointed when seven to Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham his final outing of last season.
Mount Benbulben has reportedly schooled well and, with Davy Condon back in the plate, should make a winning start over fences. 125-rated Far Away So Close is among the opposition, although it’s significant that Davy Russell has opted to ride the Noel Meade-trained Il Fenomeno.
