Bryony eyeing a Gold dream
PAUL NICHOLLS believes Bryony Frost could become the first woman to partner a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner with Frodon after the pair landed yesterday’s BetBright Cotswold Chase at Prestbury Park.
Making all the running, Frost conjured some spectacular leaps from the sevenyear-old, who appeared to be coming to the end of his tether when holding off the late challenge of Elegant Escape.
“He just idles in front and was staying on again,” said Nicholls (below). “He’s had a six-week break since his last run and will come on massively for the run. He’s now rated 169 which would have enabled him to be second in last year’s Gold Cup.
“It’s an open year. And I don’t think there’s a lot between him and Clan Des
Obeaux (winner of the King
George VI Chase).”
Frost will become only the third woman to ride in the Gold
Cup following Lizzie Kelly who achieved the best place for a female rider when seventh last season on Tea For Two.
Clan Des Obeaux also delighted Nicholls yesterday when having his first serious gallop since Boxing Day with the trainer saying: “He runs at Newbury in a fortnight’s time, which will fit in well for the Gold Cup.”
Frodon was cut from 33-1 to 25-1 with Labrokes for jump racing’s blue riband with Clan Des Obeaux trading at 10-1.
As dress rehearsals go for the Cheltenham Festival, Paisley Park’s performance was faultless as he roared to victory in the Cleeve Hurdle.
Given a patient ride by Aidan Coleman, his acceleration was instant after jumping the last and his winning distance of 12 lengths could have been more.
“I wasn’t sure whether he was going that well down the hill,” said Coleman. “But I gave him a squeeze off the bend, and it was the biggest mistake I could have made as I got there way too soon.”
“It was a good job he kept going. He had his ears pricked up the hill and had loads left. He’s got a lovely way of going.”
The gelding now heads the betting at 7-2 with Betfair (from 11) for the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival, with Ladbrokes offering a best price 9-2.