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One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Frodon and Bryony Frost celebrate after winning the 2019 Ryanair Chase
Frodon and Bryony Frost celebrate after winning the 2019 Ryanair ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.cpm/photos)

Trainer

Nicky Henderson holds a typically strong hand and Fraser Island kicks off his runners at Kempton in the topically named Read Nicky Henderson's Unibet Blog Juvenile Hurdle (12.20).

After featuring high on the news agenda during the week Altior will definitely not be running in the Grade 2 Unibet Silviniaco Conti Chase (2.05), but the five-time champion trainer still appears to hold all the aces with the doughty Top Notch, while the well-fancied Burrows Edge goes to post for Henderson's Seven Barrows yard in the £45,000 Lanzarote Hurdle (2.40).

Top Notch strides clear to win a second Peterborough Chase under Daryl Jacob
Top Notch: won the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on his last startCredit: Steve Davies

The newly honoured trainer will be hoping he can thank the Queen for his OBE with a winner at Warwick as the hat-trick seeking Keen On lines up in the Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle (2.25). Willoughby Court took the Grade 2 contest en route to Cheltenham Festival success in 2017.

Jockey

The McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Handicap Chase (3.00) often provides up-and-coming jockeys with a platform for success and this year looks no exception with seven riders set to utilise their claims.

Luca Morgan was agonisingly denied an ITV success on Delire D'Estruval at Sandown last weekend and he has been given a big-race opportunity aboard Ben Pauling's stable star Le Breuil.

Morgan will have a strong stayer underneath him for the marathon test as the eight-year-old won an attritional running of the National Hunt Chase last March and his 7lb concession will make the chestnut's task considerably easier.

Horse

Although he is rated 7lb superior to Top Notch, Frodon is second best in the Unibet Silviniaco Conti Chase (2.05) market following two below-par performances this season.

Last year's Ryanair Chase winner drops back to a more suitable trip following his third in the Betfair Chase and needs to be taken seriously at a track where he won the Grade 2 Pendil Novices' Chase in 2017.

Frodon: can he bounce back?
Frodon: can he bounce back?Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

There are few finer sights in racing than Frodon winging his fences and battling up the run-in with heart-on-sleeve resolution and, with usual pilot Bryony Frost on board, the race could throw up a mouthwatering clash between two fan favourites.

Race

Kempton's Listed Unibet Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (2.40) is named after the 1974 Champion Hurdle winner and is a race which has been informative since it was first run in 1978.

Make A Stand, Tuitchev and Tea For Two all feature on the honour roll and this year a new star could be born.

Burrows Edge (right) will bid to add his name to the illustrious Lanzarote roll of honour
Burrows Edge (right) will bid to add his name to the illustrious Lanzarote roll of honourCredit: Edward Whitaker

Top prospects Notre Pari, Burrows Edge and Larkbarrow Lad feature prominently in the market, while experienced hurdlers Canyon City and Vive Le Roi will ensure it is no walk in the park.


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