San Benedeto warming up for big spring races

BetBright Handicap Chase | 2m½f, 5yo+ | ITV/ATR

The Last Samuri is not the only chaser warming up for Aintree with an outing at Doncaster. San Benedeto is no Grand National horse but he has been earmarked for the 2m Red Rum Chase by Paul Nicholls since his victory at Musselburgh last month.

However, he is currently entered in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and so is Bright New Dawn, who has been dropped 1lb in the handicap after a third place and two fourths in three outings for Venetia Williams this term.

Aiming for a repeat

Pauline Robson saw off the southern stables to land this for Northumberland with Upsilon Bleu last year and she bids to emulate that feat this time with Katgary, a winner at Perth on his most recent appearance last June.

Good record in this

Brian Ellison has won this with Elite Land (2011) and Ultimate (2012), his only previous runners in the race. This time he relies on The Grey Taylor.

What they say

Venetia Williams, trainer of Bright New Dawn
He's run consistently this season. Last week at Chepstow he might not have enjoyed the ground as much as we hope he will at Doncaster.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of San Benedeto
He would be slightly better on better ground, but two miles is a plus and I don't think it's the hottest race for the money. He's in the Grand Annual but his aim will be the Red Rum at Aintree.

David Parker, partner of Pauline Robson, trainer of Katgary
He's in really good nick after a good break. This is his first run back but he's as fit as we can get him. We were delighted with his win at Perth, the second has been placed in decent company since and he should give a good account of himself.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Workbench
He'll like a fast-run race, but I still think he's too high in the handicap.

Brian Ellison, trainer of The Grey Taylor
He's coming back from having his wind done, he had a tie-back and it collapsed so we've done it again and we hope that works. He seems fine at home but he'll obviously improve for the run.

David Bridgwater, trainer of Theatre Flame
He will be alright with the ground. It's a good prize and he should have a good each-way chance.

Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase card and betting