Corner Forward survived a moment of drama when he was so nearly brought down on his way to his first success in a novice handicap hurdle off a mark of 96 at Ffos Las on Sunday in the colours of JP McManus.
He did well to stay on his feet when Billy Butcher fell directly in his path at the third flight. Badly hampered, he was impressively nimble as he sidestepped the faller and was soon back in a nice rhythm before moving into the lead on the flat to win a shade cosily by half a length.
Harry Cobden was pleased with the way Corner Forward travelled through the race and felt he will come into his own when he switches to fences.
He’s a horse that slowly came to hand last season and finished the campaign with an encouraging run into third place at Ffos Las in a handicap hurdle.
Corner Forward has the size and scope to be a chaser. First, though, I am hopeful he can progress over hurdles over the next few months.
