BLACK Corton, who might have been considered a reliable regular around Fontwell and Newton Abbot as recently as last autumn, is now a leading contender for the RSA at Cheltenham after demolishing the opposition in the four-runner Grade 2 Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase. Partnered, as usual, by Bryony Frost, he made all and beat Ms Parfois by eight lengths.

Black Corton is clearly as tough as the proverbial old boots and has been placed to perfection by Paul Nicholls. Since finishing second at Worcester in June - very much ‘summer jumping’ - he has taken part in eight steeplechases and won seven of them, all with Frost in the saddle. She is the discovery of the season and seems to ride a big winner most Saturdays.

“He’s a great little horse,” she reflected on Sunday. “He made some good horses look moderate and I think he’d have a great chance in the RSA Chase. I know there are a few good Irish horses about but they’ll have to be really good to beat my fella.”

Black Corton can be backed at 10/1 with Presenting Percy and Monalee disputing favouritism.

PERFECT DAY FOR HUGHES

The unsung Brian Hughes, with a century of winners already this season, will be keen on more trips south after last week. Not only did Waiting Patiently provide most of the headlines but the unassuming jockey went on to complete a hat-trick on Le Patriote and Buildmeupbuttercup.

Dr Richard Newland knows his way around tricky handicaps and Le Patriote, 4/1, was just too good for Friday Night Light in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle, despite carrying his head high.

Mick Channon does not have many runners in bumpers but took the mares’ event with 5/1 chance Buildmeupbuttercup, though Hughes needed to be at his strongest to repel Rosy World.

J.P. McManus made the scoresheet when Regal Encore, 6/1, produced a good leap for Richie McLernon at the last to account for Minella Daddy in the Keltbray Sunley Chase over three miles.