Anticipation is building for Corbetts Cross as plans are in place for the seven-year-old to compete in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on November 23, provided the ground conditions meet expectations. Trained by Emmet Mullins, this star performer dominated the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last season with a commanding 17-length victory. He later proved his quality by finishing third to Gerri Colombe and Ahoy Senor in the Aintree Bowl, stepping out of novice company in style.
Last month, Corbetts Cross kicked off this season with a runner-up finish in a Listed chase at Wexford, trailing behind Heart Wood. Despite settling for second, connections believe he has more to offer and anticipate a sharper performance at Haydock. Racing manager Frank Berry stated that while the ground would be a decisive factor, the horse is in excellent form and recovered well from his recent outing. Berry also expressed confidence that Corbetts Cross would improve further as the season progresses.
Currently, second-favourite at 3-1 for the Betfair Chase, Corbetts Cross sits behind Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, who leads the market at 15-8.
Meanwhile, all eyes will turn to Constitution Hill the following weekend as he prepares to make his seasonal debut in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. Among the potential challengers is Mystical Power, a five-year-old owned by JP McManus and trained by Willie Mullins. This standout performer, bred from the legendary Annie Power and Galileo, has claimed five wins in six starts. His only loss came at Cheltenham in March, where he placed second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle behind Slade Steel.
After his impressive victories at Aintree and Punchestown in the spring, Mystical Power is set to pursue the Champion Hurdle route this season. However, Berry revealed that decisions regarding his immediate targets, including the Fighting Fifth and the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown, will be made closer to race day. For now, the team is pleased with his readiness and eager for what lies ahead.