Gold standard Frodon leaps into contention for Festival’s big prize
FRODON and Bryony Frost’s endearing partnership could reach new heights as the duo raced into contention for the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Trials Day.
When they began their incredible story, the young rider was taking 5lb off the chaser’s back as he struggled to mix it with the likes of Might Bite and Top Notch, but ever since they have continued to rise up the ranks together.
On each of their three successes at Cheltenham, including the Grade Three handicap chase on this card in 2018, Frost has always insisted that the seven-year-old should take the plaudits.
Many racing fans would disagree however, believing Frost’s likeable and generous personality is just as much a part of the package as her mount’s tenacious, never-say-die attitude.
“Honestly I say it all the time, he’s a complete pleasure to ride,” she said about the 9/4 winner.
“I haven’t ridden a horse with a heart like him. I can’t say how awesome he is.
“The crowd cheer him on and it’s incredible how much support this horse has. It’s a fantastic place to be riding horses like him.”
Defying a big weight in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at the track last month, Frodon and Frost teamed up to try a trip of around three miles again, the distance they covered on their first outing together back in December 2017.
With their usual exuberance, they set out to race prominently and looked in control off the home turn.
But they really started to feel the last furlong and a half of the recognised Gold Cup trial and the gap started to narrow to the pursuing proven stayer Elegant Escape.
Fortunately they had just enough in the tank to repel that rival by three-quarters of a length, delighting their fans who flocked to the nearest rail to cheer them back in.
“My heart is fluttering from that,” said Frost. “Over the last two (fences) you just dig your heels in and get low, he’ll attack them for you. You can’t just pop them.
“I knew Tizzard’s horse would be chasing me down somewhere. I was thinking ‘just keep going Frodon.’
About the Gold Cup, for which Frodon is 20/1 from 33/1 with Unibet, she added: “It’s a long way from March.
“I will probably have a big smile just going out onto the course.”
Nicholls said the Ryanair Chase, for which Frodon was cut to 7-1 (from 12) with Paddy Power, might not be enough of a stamina test.
“I think the Gold Cup is more suitable for him as he stays and I just said to Paul (Vogt, owner) beforehand that he has had six or seven weeks off and he looked a gallop short and will improve for today,” the trainer continued.
“I hate coming back after a break, but that was astonishing. He just idles a bit in front then stays on again.
“He loves the track and is improving rapidly. He is rated 169 and that would have put him second in last year’s Gold Cup. I’m definitely dead keen to go.”