Classic Ben

Classic Ben is yet another really exciting addition to our team. I had been trying to buy this horse since the 9th of April when he ran in one of the best 4 yr old maidens of the year to finish fifth beaten 12 lengths. The form of that race looked strong on the day, and the owners were reluctant to sell. The winner of the race was sold for £140,000 and the second for £50,000 - so the top men rate the form, and rightly so - as the horse that finished 4th went on to win his maiden, gaining a very high rating of 92+, and the sixth also won his maiden in very impressive fashion gaining a rating of 91+. Classic Ben then went on to run 2 weeks later where he made all of the running, despite making a few jumping errors, and was bang in contention when falling at the back of the second last. The P2P website states: CLASSIC BEN (IRE) came to grief when disputing the advantage two out. Shirley Berry's charge had made numerous mistakes and it was a testament to his ability that the son of Beneficial was still in a position to throw down a strong challenge. Perhaps not enjoying jumping off the better ground, this four-year-old has the ability to win a similar contest if he can get his jumping together. As you can see, he is a lovely prospect to get our hands on - he represents great value because if he had run again and won his maiden, which the experts say is very likely, we would not have been able to afford him! He can be seen here cantering at Fences Farm shortly after he arrived. I purchased two 4 yr old Irish Point To Pointers last year, one had been placed the other had dead heated in their races, and they are both high class, and went on to run in Listed bumpers over the winter. Stuart has cantered Classic Ben, and is delighted to have him - he likes him a lot, and is very pleased to have him. He passed a veterinary inspection in Ireland, and has also been given a thorough check by our vet and is 100%. Classic Ben has shown what we thought he could do at home by finishing second in a very good Chepstow Bumper on October 15th. Always a race that produces well above average horses, CB was very green throughout, would have appreciated a lead for a lot longer up the straight, but knuckled down when joined and was beaten just 2 lengths by a very highly regarded horse that now heads off into Listed company, and was ahead of another highly regarded horse from the Alan King yard. The Racing Post Analysis reads: Classic Ben was 0-4 in points but he is bred to be a chaser and this was an encouraging first run under rules. In front early in the straight, he stayed on really well, only finding the winner too strong in the closing stages. He ought to be hard to beat in ordinary company next time. CB then headed to Sandown where again he ran a stormer to be second in another top class looking bumper. He has now stepped up on even that form, and has won his first 2 hurdle starts in Fakenham and Huntingdon, in the latter, beating some highly regarded horses with a 6lb penalty. He could well have earned himself a rating in the mid 130's, and will now step into Graded Company. He will also have entries in the Ballymore and Albert Bartlett Novices' hurdles at The Cheltenham Festival. There is just 1 share left at £6,000 each plus £240/month training/keep fee. All VAT will be recouped on your behalf. Please call me on 07909 518902 for further details or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com