'The handicapper has given him a chance' - can Frodon carry off another big win?

Saturday: 1.50 Wincanton
61st Badger Beer Handicap Chase | 3m1f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Testing ground at Down Royal forced Paul Nicholls into rerouting stable legend Frodon to this valuable handicap from the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase.

The three-time Grade 1 winner had been trained specifically for the Down Royal race that he landed 12 months ago under Bryony Frost in such pulsating fashion, and shouldn’t lack for fitness first time out.

Nicholls said: “The plan was to get Frodon spot-on for Down Royal, but it’s too soft for him to run there.

“He’s in good shape. It’s an easier race at Wincanton, but he does have a lot of weight. That said, the handicapper has given him a bit of a chance and he’ll love the ground.”

While most people will regard Frodon as the Ditcheat number one, a strong case can be argued for perceived second-string Enrilo, who has been trained with the Badger Beer firmly in mind since returning from his summer break.

The eight-year-old failed to trouble the judge in four runs last term, and had his palate recauterised after disappointing at Sandown in April.

He was still tanking along when he fell on his reappearance last season in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, and won at Wincanton during his novice hurdle days.

“This race has always been the aim for Enrilo since he came back in,” Nicholls said. “I thought he had a massive chance in the bet365 Gold Cup last season, and there’s a nice race in him off his current mark.

“He’ll like the ground and is in good order. I think both Frodon and Enrilo will run well.”

Lord Accord in top shape

Neil Mulholland, who ‘won’ this race in 2014 with The Young Master, until he was later disqualified after being found ineligible to take part, has Lord Accord primed for a big run.

The progressive seven-year-old won well at Cheltenham last month, staying on strongly to beat The Wolf by four and a half lengths, and the Badger Beer looks the logical next step.

“He has come out of his win at Cheltenham really well, and has not gone up massively in the weights,” Mulholland said. “Hopefully he can put his proven race fitness to good use on Saturday. I liked the way he galloped up the hill at Cheltenham.

“The trip and ground should be fine, and Richie McLernon, who rode him at Cheltenham, gets on well with him. You’d be hopeful of a good run.”

What they say

Alan King, trainer of Potterman
He was hit and miss last season, but we tidied up his wind in the summer and he won well on his comeback at Kelso. He’s best fresh and hopefully he’ll be right in the mix again.

Kim Bailey, trainer of El Presente
He’s won the race before but it’s quite a competitive contest with the topweight [Frodon] in there. He disappointed the last day [at Chepstow] but he hates going left-handed, so we’re back on a right-handed track. He’s got his fast ground and could be placed.

Tom Lacey, trainer of Neville’s Cross
The handicapper has probably got him, but the ground will suit him this time and I’m looking for a better run than at Cheltenham. It rained that day, and he does love to hear his feet rattle. Conditions will suit him much better at Wincanton.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Irish Prophecy
Nice ground is important but he has trouble with his feet and has suffered with corns. Our farrier has done an amazing job and he’ll be dangerous off his mark when he’s right.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Slipway
He won’t run unless they miraculously get an enormous amount of rain.

Christian Williams, trainer of Cap Du Nord
It’s a shame Frodon runs as it keeps us 2lb out of the weights. We think he’s in good form and the race has been the plan for a few months now. He usually runs well round the track.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Rocco
He’s off a lower mark than when winning this race nicely last year and it appears to be his time of year.

Saturday's British and Irish previews:

2.11 Aintree: Could the Topham prove the key to the Grand Sefton once again?

2.32 Down Royal: Ladbrokes Champion Chase: 'He has race fitness on his side' - Elliott on Galvin

3.00 Wincanton: Can Sceau Royal land a fourth Elite Hurdle and make the race his own?

3.07 Down Royal: 'He has a great chance on ratings' - Grade 1 winner Fury Road makes seasonal bow

3.13 Doncaster: Can beautifully bred Israr strike another blow for the Classic generation?

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