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Classy mare impressed on fencing bow at Newton Abbot

Stuart Edmunds feels conditions should be ideal for Maria's Benefit in her bid to make it two out of two over fences in the Canter Carpet Mares’ Novice Chase at Bangor on Wednesday.

After making an impressive chasing debut when ploughing through the mud at Newton Abbot last month, the six-year-old will look put her rivals to sword once again by taking a step up to Listed level in her stride.

Edmunds said: “I’m very happy with her. That was a good run at Newton Abbot and she jumped very well. She put up with that ground, but she will prefer the good to soft at Bangor.

“That has brought her along a bit and we have hopefully just maintained that at home. She has had plenty of schooling ahead of both runs and I’m very happy.

“Jester Jet is closely rated to her, but her best is over a longer trip, although her trainer Tom Lacey is a clever man and you have to respect everyone.”

While the Newport Pagnell handler is keen to get the latest step out of the way, he has in the back of his mind a plan should all go well for the Grade Two-winning hurdler.

He said: “We are just going to take it step by step with her at the moment.

“There is a nice novice race at Kempton around Christmas (Wayward Lad) that could be for her.”