Benson pounced late to deliver a telling blow for local trainer Sandy Thomson in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso, setting up a potential tilt at a £100,000 bonus if able to quickly follow up at the Cheltenham Festival.
Heading into the contest on the back of a clear-cut victory at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day, the eight-year-old was sent off at 11-1 to reward those who follow the Lambden-based handler.
Kept quiet in the rear by Ryan Mania, his jockey, as Wajaaha set a hot pace, he was smuggled into the contest and loomed large as the Lorna Fowler-trained Colonel Mustard hit the front and set for home with two out.
Mania was still to produce Benson as Colonel Mustard’s stride began to shorten jumping the last, but he soon edged past the game Irish challenger with the winning post approaching and the victory was arguably worth more than the official verdict of two lengths.