Bryony Frost and Present Man in top shape and bristling for more Badger success

3.35 Wincanton
Badger Beers Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (Listed) | 3m1f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Present Man bids to make history with an unprecedented third win in a race he has contested for the last four years.

If the ten-year-old manages to pull off the extraordinary feat it would provide a magical moment for his owners, Mark and Tessa Woodhouse, who have sponsored the race for many years.

Their involvement is the oldest unbroken sponsorship in jump racing, and Present Man’s rider Bryony Frost would love to make their dreams come true.

Present Man pictured winning the 2018 running of the Badger AlesCredit: Getty Images / Alan Crowhurst

“He’s one horse I’ve luckily been able to stay with since my early days with Paul [Nicholls],” she said.

“When he won his first Badger Beers I was still a kid claiming at that point. It came 21 years after Dad [Jimmy] won the race aboard Coome Hill, and was even more special because Present Man’s owners, Mr and Mrs Woodhouse, have sponsored the race for so long.

“He has really contributed to some epic days in my career.”

Present Man ran well below his best when pulled up 12 months ago, which was attributed to the unsuitably soft terrain. Underfoot conditions should be ideal this time.

“All being well, the British weather doesn’t turn for the worst,” Frost said. “Present Man loves to jump off better ground, and he’s coming to the race this year with real confidence.

“That was a serious training performance to get him to perform as he did at Chepstow last month. His jumping is one of his greatest assets, and it makes him really special.

“It’s very much a team effort at Ditcheat. We have three in the race with good chances, but it would be fantastic for Mr and Mrs Woodhouse if Present Man could win it again.

Present Man: is in excellent form having won at Chepsow on his reappearanceCredit: Alan Crowhurst

“They have shown great loyalty to the race, and their enthusiasm continues to shine through. They are cracking people to ride for.”

While Frost and Present Man each seek a third Badger Beers, Nicholls bids for an incredible 11th success.

He first won it with Flaked Oats in 1999, and has sent out the last three winners, most recently with Give Me A Copper last year. It’s certainly a race he likes to target!

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Present Man, Danny Whizzbang and My Way
Present Man showed his wellbeing at Chepstow and has only gone up 2lb. The dry weather is also in his favour. Danny Whizzbang is a second-season novice and they have a good record in this race. I need to get a run into him before the Ladbrokes Trophy, and he’ll improve for it. I’ve had a sneaky feeling about My Way in this race for quite a while. He’s on a nice mark, and rates a lively outsider.

Danny Whizzbang (left) and My Way ensure Paul Nicholls has a particularly strong hand in the raceCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Michael Scudamore, trainer of Some Chaos
He won nicely at Kelso on ground softer than he enjoys. The quicker ground at Wincanton will suit, and he’s won round there before. He probably doesn’t have many secrets from the handicapper, but is in good form.

Kim Bailey, trainer of El Presente
He’s enjoyed a cracking good season, but this is a big upgrade. He’s very much a firm-ground horse and has had a couple of hard races lately. This could be his last run before a well-deserved break.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Cobra De Mai and Supremely Lucky
Cobra De Mai is back down to a reasonable mark and could run really well. Supremely Lucky gets into the race nicely and has a bit of experience, so we’re happy to take a chance.

Cobra De Mai represents the in-form Skelton teamCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Harry Fry, trainer of Just A Sting
He was fourth in the race last year, and this has been the plan since he came back in. He goes well fresh.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Sizing At Midnight
The more the ground dries up the better his chance. It’s not unknown for a summer jumper to win this race – we won it with Gentleman Jon a few years ago. He’s in good form.

Christian Williams, trainer of Kitty’s Light
He’s progressing well. It’s a step up in grade, but he’s still unexposed as a four-year-old and the ground will be perfect for him – the quicker the better. It’s a very competitive race. I thought it might cut up because of the ground.

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