Marito landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase at Naas for Willie Mullins after a thrilling battle with Mount Benbulben.

There was drama at the start when Jim Culloty's Beeverstown, a winner last time out, shied as the tape went up and unshipped Robbie McNamara.

Ruby Walsh was content to follow Ballyadam Brook in the early stages on Marito (4-6 favourite) before taking up the running going down the back straight, and the jockey had to pull out the stops to get home by a head as Mount Benbulben put in a stirring finish.

It was a step back in the right direction for Mount Benbulben, who has had jumping issues, and Jenari ran a nice race in third also. Flemenstar and War Of Attrition have won the race in recent years.

Mullins said: "He put in a good round of jumping, bar four out, where he showed he was able to fiddle one.

"He's in the (Irish) Arkle (January 27) - I don't know if that's too soon for him, but we'll have a look at it. He could go two and a half miles - I think he'll stay no problem. It could be the Arkle next or the Moriarty."

Mullins and Walsh suffered a reverse in the Annual Membership At Naas Maiden Hurdle as the odds-on Upazo was run out of it close home by the Jarlath Fahey-trained Jennies Jewel (6-1), who was given a lovely waiting ride by Ian McCarthy and pounced after the last flight to win by two lengths.

Fahey said: "I'm delighted. She was caught out by the very deep ground at Limerick - she travelled very well, but just stopped. We knew if she was back to her Punchestown run she'd have a chance. She could go for the mares' Listed race at Fairyhouse at the end of the month."

Beneficial Spirit (10-1) provided trainer Philip Rothwell and jockey Brian O'Connell with a welcome winner in the Tipper Road Handicap Chase, staying on powerfully to beat Quiet Thought by three lengths after plenty were in with a chance at the second-last fence.

Rothwell said: "I'm delighted. We'll mix it between hurdles and fences with him now. He's been a difficult horse as he's had plenty of injuries. He's won a bumper and a couple of hurdles and now twice over fences - hopefully he's not finished either."

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