Top pair Bryony Frost and Frodon set to wow them again at Aintree

3.00 Aintree

Virgin Bet Monet's Garden Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase | 2m4f, 4yo+ | RTV

Jump racing's most popular combination is reunited when Bryony Frost gets back on Frodon to attempt a repeat success at Aintree.

The ebullient rider was still a 3lb claimer when landing this race on her equally enthusiastic partner last year, and they scaled the heights together afterwards.

Successes in Grade 3 and Grade 2 company at Cheltenham followed, before they brought the house down with a hugely popular victory in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at the festival in March, fighting back after being headed two out to lead again on the run-in.

Jump racing's new poster girl Bryony Frost raises the Ryanair Chase trophy after her win on FrodonCredit: Michael Steele

"He grabbed me by the hands and said, 'don't you dare give up'" Frost said at the time, after being the first woman to win a Grade 1 chase at the meeting.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said: "He is in good shape for the race. He had an away day at Wincanton and galloped round with Clan Des Obeaux, but there is still plenty to work on.

"He has got it all to do at the weights and I am sure there will be a strong pace in the race.

Kalashnikov aimed at top 2m4f honours

It will be an emotional day for Amy Murphy as Kalashnikov returns to Aintree for the Old Roan Chase.

It was here six months ago that her faith in the stable star was gloriously vindicated as he bounced back from being unseated at Cheltenham to land the Manifesto Novices' Chase at the Grand National meeting.

Kalashnikov: Returns to the scene of his Grade 1 triumphCredit: Edward Whitaker

That was Murphy's first Grade 1 success and she has high hopes for the six-year-old this season, with her sights set on Frodon's Ryanair Chase crown.

"He's an exciting horse and we're very lucky to have him," the trainer said. "There aren't a lot of options for him, particularly as we'd like to keep him going left-handed if we can, but he's in good order. He'll come on for the run but it's a good starting point for the season.

"Any rain wouldn't worry me, the softer the better. And it's the course and distance he won his Grade 1 over, so it should suit him.

"But he's taking on the best two-and-a-half-mile chaser around, so he'll have to be on his absolute A game."

Frodon bears weight of history

Let nobody underestimate the task facing Frodon, who would succeed where even Kauto Star failed were he to land a historic success.

He races off a BHA rating of 169, which is higher than any horse has defied in the Grade 2 limited handicap – a race first run in 2004.

First to try was Kauto Star, who was anchored by a mark of 179 in 2007 and finished second, a place ahead of his old rival Exotic Dancer (172).

The most recent attempt was made by brilliant two-miler Master Minded, who finished third when racing off 178 in 2011 – the year that Albertas Run became the highest-rated winner in the race's 15-year history by defying a mark of 168.

What they say

Brian Ellison, trainer of Forest Bihan
I'm worried about the weather and the ground. He doesn't mind the soft but it's stepping up in trip on that going that is a concern. He's in great form and he's come on a lot for his run at Kelso. He's run well in a lot of good races like this.

Harry Whittington, trainer of Bigmartre
I couldn't have him in better shape and all his preparation has been very smooth since he came back in from the field. He bolted up last time and we think a flat track and two and a half miles is ideal for him; so we thought we'd have a go at a big handicap off a very light weight. Page Fuller gets on very well with him, she is excellent over fences. It's a tough race but it's exciting to be taking part.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Flying Angel
This will be more of a stamina test with the softer ground and that will suit him. Being out of the handicap won't help but he's in good form and he's run well at Aintree before.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app