Foxhunter winner Frost out to beat the pros on Southfield Vic

3.30 Uttoxeter
Marston's Pedigree Summer Cup | 3m2f | 5yo+ | ATR

Bryony Frost tries to build on her success in the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival by landing her biggest victory against professionals when she partners topweight Southfield Vic in one of the most competitive races of the summer jumping months.

Frost’s victory on Pacha Du Polder has been a catalyst for more opportunities from Paul Nicholls, whose support she has rewarded with six wins this summer, including on Southfield Vic.

Frost, from a family of jockeys, said: “This is my biggest ride against professionals. Winning the Foxhunter has definitely got my name out there. There has been a big push to show I can do it and my claim is down to 5lb now.

“I know Southfield Vic well – he has to defy top weight, but should go well.”

Frost said she had been trying to overcome the ‘girl factor’ by trying not to stand out in races, but has reversed that stance.

“I believed for a long time I needed to be more boyish to try to blend in with the lads,” she said. “But I have switched that opinion and gone back to riding my own way and the horses are winning.

“I still have a long way to go, but it would be lovely if I could turn conditional and become professional one day.”

Southfield Vic is one of two Nicholls-trained runners – Keltus being the other – in a 20-strong field which also includes Henllan Harri, who won the bet365 Gold Cup on his last start from 4lb out of the handicap.

Sam Twiston-Davies rides Keltus, a beaten favourite last time, and Nicholls’ assistant, Harry Derham, said: “Keltus was narrowly beaten at Fontwell but ran well and is quite consistent. He’d need a career best, but would have an each-way chance.”

Ozzy Thomas comes into the race off an 11lb higher mark after winning a novice chase at Ludlow and has the assistance of champion jump jockey Richard Johnson.

His trainer Henry Oliver said: “He’s in great order. He won nicely over three miles, when he appreciated the step up in trip. We’ve kept him to have a go at this race. I’m just not sure if he’s up to the level of his handicap mark.”

Fact Of The Matter makes his first appearance since finishing third in a handicap chase at Aintree in May.

Trainer Jamie Snowden said: “He won three of his five novice chases last season then stepped out of novice company to run at Aintree, where he stayed on well. Hopefully another step up in distance will be right up his street.”