The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Black Corton back for more after lean spell
Promising recent signs of return to form
BLACK CORTON can make a triumphant return to the scene of his finest hour by winning the Betway Handicap Chase at Kempton.
Paul Nicholls’ admirable performer landed the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Christmas during the 2017-18 campaign when he chalked up eight victories.
He has not been as prolific since then, off the scoresheet for the past 10 months since lifting the Grade Two Oaksey Chase at Sandown last April.
However, Black Corton has run some good races in defeat, like his last effort at Ascot when he was fourth to Regal Encore in a Listed handicap just before Christmas.
Dropped 2lb for that, the nine-yearold is getting back to a good mark and he will not go down without a fight in this valuable heat.
SONG FOR SOMEONE has decent prospects in the Betway Kingwell Hurdle, rearranged from last weekend’s abandoned meeting at Wincanton.
Tom Symonds’ improving handicapper has run very well on all three starts this season, and looks ready for this move up in class having proved he should be fine whether the ground dries out or does not.
It may be worth taking a chance with the Nicholls-trained newcomer SOLO in the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Adonis Juvenile Hurdle.
Such is the reputation of this French import that he is around 14-1 in the antepost betting for the Triumph Hurdle.
COMMANCHE RED put up a careerbest display when winning over this course and distance at the big Christmas meeting, and can successfully step up in class in the Betway Pendil Novices’ Chase.
Chris Gordon’s charge beat Simply The Betts by nine lengths, and that horse has been a good winner subsequently.
PETITE POWER can take the near four-and-a-quarter-mile trip in his stride to land the Vertem Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle.
Fergal O’Brien’s 11-year-old was putting in his best work at the finish when third to Kimberlite Candy in the Classic Chase over three miles and five furlongs at Warwick last month. That suggests Petite Power will not be fazed by this even more extreme stamina test.
BANGKOK looks hard to beat in Betway Winter Derby Stakes at Lingfield after his convincing display in the trial over course and distance.
Andrew Balding’s classy colt bolted up by four and a half lengths from Court House in a fast time, and it will take some performance to lower his colours. SELECTIONS
KEMPTON: 12.40 Storm Arising, 1.15 Commanche Red, 1.50 Solo, 2.25 Song For Someone, 3.02 Buzz, 3.35 BLACK CORTON (NAP), 4.10 Mystical Clouds, 4.45 Dynamo Boy.
LINGFIELD: 1.30 One To Go, 2.05 Royal Birth, 2.40 Bombshell, 3.15 Bangkok, 3.50 Habub, 4.25 Battle Of Marathon, 4.55 Hover.
NEWCASTLE: 1.35 Southeast Rose, 2.10 What’s The Scoop, 2.45 Petite Power, 3.20 Dora de Janeiro, 3.55 Minella Charmer, 4.30 Zolfo, 5.05 Le Cheval Noir.
DOUBLE: Black Corton and
Bangkok.