Benefficient's trainer Tony Martin admits he is fearful of the threat posed by Arvika Ligeonniere in the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Grade One-winning hurdler Benefficient has enjoyed a decent start to his career over fences, finishing second at Limerick and winning comfortably at Down Royal before filling the runner-up spot in a good novice chase at Newbury over three miles.

He comes back to two miles and a furlong for this Grade One assignment, but it is the opposition, rather than the trip, that is the concern for Martin, as Arvika Ligeonniere looked a potential superstar when slamming Martin's Dedigout in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse last time.

"He's in cracking shape and I think it was a good experience for him running in Newbury. Hopefully that should stand him in good stead," said Martin.

"I think three miles is a bit of a slog for him at this stage, so we're coming back in trip with him and I've no worries about where we're going. He won his Grade One over hurdles over two and a quarter miles, so hopefully he'll be all right.

"Willie's horse is the one we'd all love to be on. When he won in Fairyhouse I thought he's as good a horse as I've seen in a while. Someone from outside racing could watch him and know he's a bit special.

"Oscars Well is a very good horse as well. I've a lot of admiration for both horses."

Mouse Morris saddles Baily Green, who owes his connections nothing having won seven races on the bounce before being beaten by Twinlight at Punchestown last month.

Morris said: "I think he's entitled to take his chance in a race like this. He got beaten the last day but he ran a cracker and was only beaten a length.

"This is another step up for him but it's the obvious progression for him and we may as well dip our toe in and see what happens. The ground isn't going to be ideal for him but it will be better than it is anywhere else, so he'll have to cope with it."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests