Benscher bounces back with Graduation win

Betfair Graduation Chase (Class 2) 3m, 5yo+

BAKBENSCHER returned to winning ways over fences with a gritty display under Robert Thornton when seeing off Definity before the last fence.

Trained by Alan King,and bred by Sandicroft Stud the eight-year-old was last seen finishing third in a Grade 3 at Cheltenham, and took advantage of the drop in grade for a third success over fences from seven starts.

Thornton settled Bakbenscher at the rear with Bench Warrent and Definity cutting out the running between them for much of the race.

After fiddling a couple of fences on the far side of the course, Definity was still in contention along with Bench Warrent, but as the pair turned for home it appeared that Thornton was travelling best of all as he moved smoothly in contention.

The trio tackled four out together, but Bench Warrent was quickly dropped, and at two out Bakbenscher hit the front and was driven out by Thornton to score.

BookmakersVictor Chandler and Paddy Power reacted to Bakbenscher's four length victory by trimming him to 12-1 (from 16) for the Racing Post Chase at Kempton later in the month.

However that race will be one of a few options according to Russell Field, representing owners Three Line Whip. He said:

"His jumping was better today as he seemed to get into a rhythm on the very soft ground. He's in the Racing Post Chase but we will be keeping our options open as the ground at Kempton might get too lively for him."