Timeform Notebook: Benefit from this Notebook horse

There may have been a close finish to the novices' handicap chase at Ascot on Saturday - three lengths covered the first four home - but it is a race to view positively and it could be worth following the progress of the second-placed horse, Benefit Cut. Benefit Cut was making his chasing debut at Ascot and he instantly bettered the fairly useful form that he had shown over hurdles, splitting a recent winner and one that is unexposed over fences. Bred to be better over fences, Benefit Cut produced a bold round of jumping, racing with enthusiasm at the head of affairs, and he displayed a good attitude under pressure to keep on well for second place having been headed two out. 

Benefit Cut blundered at the second-last fence but that was the only blemish in an otherwise highly-encouraging display for one so inexperienced, and he should be capable of winning races in this sphere. Clearly well treated at present, Benefit Cut will face easier tasks than the one he met at Ascot - the winner, Ballinvarrig, had been leniently dealt with having been raised just 5 lb for a win at Exeter - and, considering his strong-travelling style and aggressive jumping, could be seen to even better effect on a sounder surface. 

Timeform Notebook:

Notebook horses Champagne West and Straidnahanna were in action on Saturday, at Ascot and Haydock respectively, and they both enhanced their reputation, though only the former won. The progressive Champagne West, who boasts some extremely solid form, had an obvious chance in a well-contested novices' hurdle and he improved again to win by an authoritative four lengths from the unexposed and similarly progressive Knock House. In contrasting style to his recent all-the-way handicap win, Champagne West was ridden with restraint in the early stages but he still made his move a fair way from home, tanking his way to the front four flights out, and it is possible that he would have been even more impressive had his challenge been delayed. Phillip Hobbs's novice is seemingly going to be aimed at the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival and, while his mark may suffer on the back of this success, his improving profile makes him of obvious interest in a race of that nature. 

Straidnahanna was collared close home by a stronger stayer at Haydock, agonisingly beaten by a short-head having looked in control after the last, but he again showed his affinity for the Fixed Brush Hurdles (something which bodes well with a potential chasing career in mind) and looks well capable of winning a novice. A chaser in the making, Straidnahanna remains unexposed and is worth keeping on the right side. 

Shutthefrontdoor - Disappointed last time but earlier efforts suggest he can develop into a smart novice.
Straidnahanna - Narrowly denied by a useful prospect at Haydock and remains unexposed.
Merlin's Wish - Staying handicap chaser who remains capable of winning off current mark.
Close House - Once again shaped as if three miles was too far; will be suited by return to shorter.  
Many Clouds - Genuine type that has taken well to chasing, already showing improved form. 
Famousandfearless - Seemingly well regarded and type to improve for switch to handicaps.
Champagne At Tara - Shaped well on hurdling debut under considerate ride. Not knocked about last time.
Regal Encore - Looks set to enter handicaps on a lenient mark and is sure to progress.
Champagne West - Progressive novice that has rattled up a hat-trick in good style.
Pass Muster - Still potentially well treated based on fairly useful Flat form.
Dungeness - Has looked an improved horse this season and could be better over further.