After what was a great Saturday of National Hunt racing, we take a look at some of the stories of the afternoon with an eye on next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Black Corton put in another stunning performance to make all in the Reynoldstown at Ascot in what was a continuation of one of the stories of the jumps season so far.
Bryony Frost - who thinks the world of the horse - rode him in customary fashion, letting him bowl out in front, get in a nice rhythm and simply out-jump his rivals.
It was an eighth win over fences for Paul Nicholl’s inmate, seven of which have been with his pal aboard, and he is surely one of the most progressive chasers in the business.
His step up in class at Ascot opens the door to an RSA tilt for him, and he’s now as short as 8/1 for 3m event at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton promised to give us a Champion Hurdle clue and - in a way - it did.
Dan Skelton’s Ch’Tibello and Nicky Henderson’s Call Me Lord both had entries for the race but both were ultimately disappointing when falling to a defeat by Alan King’s Elgin, who does not.
The two aforementioned Festival fancies, then, will not be going to Cheltenham after they both put in an underwhelming showing.
Nigel Twiston-Davies Blaklion had been Ante-post favourite for the Grand National at Aintree before today’s Trial at Haydock this afternoon but couldn’t get home under top weight as Yala Enki went on to win after a testing contest.
Doubts abound about Blaklion’s stamina and, given that he holds a Gold Cup entry, connections might well opt to send him to The Festival before - or instead of - Aintree. He’s 20s to win back down in trip to 3m.
The Ascot Chase had been billed as one of the races of the jumps season so far and it didn’t disappoint.
Waiting Patiently, trained by Ruth Jefferson following the passing of her father Malcolm, passed the effervescent Cue Card to bring home a Grade 1 to Yorkshire. His class is now unquestionable and he’s as short as 5/2 in a place for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
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Meanwhile, over in Ireland, Our Duke reinforced his Gold Cup credentials with a win in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park. He had the thriving Presenting Percy in behind him in second in County Kilkenny and that’s seen him priced up at 10/1 for glory at The Festival.
Keep an eye on our Cheltenham Festival page for more updates, info and stories as the build up continues!
