Nicholls adamant Frodon is ‘in the mix’ for Gold Cup
Surprise King George winner is ‘mad fresh’ and will head straight to Cheltenham.
Paul Nicholls is confident Frodon can make his presence felt in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup. The Ditcheat trainer saddled four runners in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, with much of the pre-race attention focusing on the rematch between his dual winner Clan Des Obeaux and the highest-rated chaser in the country Cyrname. That pair ultimately failed to run up to expectations, and instead the stable’s apparent third string stole the show – making the much of the running under his regular partner Bryony Frost, who became the first female jockey to win the festive highlight. Despite his victory, Frodon is a 16-1 shot for the Gold Cup, but Nicholls reports his charge to have taken his King George exertions in his stride and insists he is no forlorn hope for steeplechasing’s blue riband at Prestbury Park in March. He said: “Frodon is mad fresh. When he is like that he is at the top of his game – he is really well. “Frodon will go straight to the Gold Cup. Bryony rode a brilliant race on him, and he was the best horse on the day. “No one will expect him to win the Gold Cup – but if he did win it, it would be no surprise (to me). “Someone said the other day Santini ran the best Gold Cup trial in the King George (finished fifth). But I would beg to differ – Frodon ran the best Gold Cup trial without a shadow of a doubt. “He loves Cheltenham and loves to be fresh, so it puts him in the mix.” Clan Des Obeaux had to make do with minor honours in his bid for a King George hat-trick, while Cyrname was pulled up. Nicholls added: “I’ve got to work out where I go with Clan Des Obeaux and Cyrname. But Clan won’t have an entry in the Gold Cup, so that has ruled that out. “I think we want to go back to riding Cyrname positively. That start at Kempton might not have suited him. He was a bit slow out of the gate, and he got behind a couple, and then it didn’t unfold. “I think he wants to be ridden a bit more aggressively. When he won the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, he managed to get wide and was tanking along and jumping brilliantly. He wasn’t able to do that the other day. “He is quite a timid horse at home and always has been. It might just be that he needs to be back ridden positively. “If Clan had followed Frodon he might have beaten him, but ‘if’ is a big word.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.