Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 6m 21.50s

Black Corton^t⁵³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Bryony Le Clerc| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 155| D

10/11

One of the revelations of the season, having been on the go since June but still improving and has struck up a good relationship with Bryony Frost. Wonderfully consistent, all tracks and grounds seem to come alike, and the one to beat again here.

Form: 111121

Crystal Lad³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Joshua Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 122| BF

25/1

Useful hurdler but limitations already exposed over fences and faces a very stiff task at these weights. Will be looking to the others to make mistakes if he's to get involved.

Form: 40-5533

Mount Mews²²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: B S Hughes| T: Ruth Jefferson| OR: 140| BF

5/1

Effortless first win over fences at Doncaster and then ran the useful Wotzizname close back at that venue last month. Looks a natural at the game, trip and ground no issue and more than capable of shaking the principals up here.

Form: 12-3612

Ms Parfois^t³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: S Bowen| T: A J Honeyball| OR: 146| D

7/4

Improving mare that looks stamina-laden, and has jumped and stayed on well to record victories at Newbury and Warwick at Listed level this winter. Steps up again, but no saying she's finished improving yet, and with ideal conditions, looks a player.

Form: 31-3111

Forecasts

Black Corton (10/11), Ms Parfois (7/4), Mount Mews (5/1), Crystal Lad (25/1)

Black Corton has been a joy to watch this season and has developed a good habit of winning. Victory here would surely see him take his place in the RSA at the Cheltenham Festival, but he's been on the go for a while now and the nagging feeling that it will catch up with him at some point remains. It could be that, in receipt of 7lb, MS PARFOIS might be able to take advantage. She is improving quickly now and her solid jumping will keep her right in the hunt here. Mount Mews is no back number here either and is there to take advantage if the others fail to fire.