Bryony Frost has Time To Tinker before Down Royal raid with Frodon

Bryony Frost warmed up for Saturday's ride on Frodon in Down Royal’s Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase with the third winner from her last eight rides.

It came on 5-4 favourite Time To Tinker, her only booking of the day, in the 2m½f novice hurdle.

Frost had only 21 rides between May and September but she is beginning to rev into top gear in October as she guided Time To Tinker to a comfortable three-and-a-quarter-length victory for her boss Paul Nicholls.

Frost, who will take on Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo with last year’s King George winner Frodon, said of Time To Tinker: “He was still showing greenness coming to two out, which was a bit worrying – he thought there was a bogeyman behind the hurdle – but we got over and I had so much in hand he was able to pull away.

"As a starting point for a horse who has had wind problems this was perfect."

Valentino's day

After both going the entirety of the 2020-21 season without success, trainer Jackie du Plessis and 7lb claimer Harry Kimber are in sparkling form this campaign and they combined with Valentino, who shrugged off a 10lb rise to win the 3m handicap hurdle.

Jackie du Plessis: making up for a blank season last yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

Du Plessis has now struck with three of seven runners since September while Kimber was recording his fifth winner of the season, a personal best.

Du Plessis said: “He made us sweat and I was surprised because two out I thought he had no chance. It turned out to be a real competitive race, so we’re well happy that he managed to do it.”

"Harry’s got a good, cool head and he doesn’t make things complicated. He’s well worth his claim, that’s for sure.”

Williams first

Amateur jockey Eleanor Williams enjoyed a memorable first winner over jumps on her ninth ride when guiding Voodoo Doll to victory in the 2m3f handicap hurdle for her father Evan Williams.

Harris double

Milton Harris won the last two races with Mi Laddo in the 2m½f handicap hurdle and Fire Lake in the 2m½f mares' bumper.

Results, replays and analysis

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