Paul Nicholls at Galway: Black Corton needs to be at his best to win the Plate
Betfair Ambassador Paul Nicholls returns to talks about his duo running in the race on day three of the Galway Festival...
"That outing has brought him on nicely, as I expected, and he is fit as he could possibly be."
Can form push Black Corton to victory?
19:20 - Black Corton
Black Corton ran some good races last season ending up with a fine victory on the final day at Sandown and I've kept him ticking over this summer for the Plate but I'd say he has it all to do under top weight.
He ran on the flat in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot which was a new experience for him. He took them along for more than two miles before getting a little tired in the straight. That outing has brought him on nicely, as I expected, and he is fit as he could possibly be.
But it is hard to give weight all round in these big handicaps and he will need a career best to win. It does help though that he has form on tight tracks and is a handy horse who likes to be up there.
Another small chance
19:20 - Modus
He has been turned out in the paddock each day with Black Corton after their morning exercise.Modus did have a little holiday in the late spring before coming back into training and we know he goes well fresh. But this a fiercely competitive handicap and he will need to improve on his form last season. Harry Cobden rode him a few times over hurdles and is looking forward to getting back on him in the Plate.
When Oslot bolted up for us in the Galway Plate in 2008 we felt he was very well handicapped. That is not the case with our duo this time. I'd say they both have a small chance and Modus needs to put his best foot forward and jump well to be involved.