Black jumps back into fine form

CHAMPION hurdler Black And Bent will be the star attraction at Sandown on Sunday, when he completes the 2011-12 jumping campaign with a probable win in the $100,000 J.J. Houlahan Hurdle over 3400 metres.
Black and Bent only cost $35,000, but proved himself as one of the greats of jumps racing when he scored a memorable win in the $200,000 Grand National Hurdle (3900 metres) at Sandown on 14 August.
The Houlahan Hurdle will suit Black And Bent ideally, as it is a set weight event with penalties. He will carry 69kg but the minimum is 64kg, so he will be meeting much the same opposition and on no worse terms.
After his August 28 engagement, Black and Bent’s next target will be to qualify for the Melbourne Cup on 1 November. Overseas it is not unusual for jumpers to contest major flat races and Vintage Crop was a successful jumper before winning the 1993 Melbourne Cup.
Sunday’s feature event is the 145th running of the $200,000 Grand National Steeplechase (4500 metres) over 16 fences.
Steven Pateman looks a great chance of completing the National double when he partners former Irish galloper Kerdem, runner-up in the 2009 and 2010 Adelaide Cups.
Kerdem ran on strongly for second, beaten a length, behind Juan Carlos in the $100,000 Crisp Steeplechase (3900 metres) at Sandown on 14 August. He had won his previous four starts over jumps and shapes as if the extra 600 metres will be ideal for him.
Admission on Sunday is $10 for adults, $6 concession and children under 18 accompanied by an adult are admitted free.