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.