The key questions as Present Man bids for record-breaking third Badger Beers win

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

Will it be three in a row?

It is not only Present Man and Bryony Frost who boast a wonderful record in this historic Listed handicap chase which dates back to 1962.

While horse and rider will be bidding for a record-breaking third consecutive triumph in the race, Present Man’s trainer Paul Nicholls is eyeing a remarkable tenth success.

Doubly represented with Present Man and Give Me A Copper this time, a quick glance at the betting tells you the local handler holds a decent chance of achieving that feat.

Present Man is 4lb higher than when successful 12 months ago – and Frost doesn’t claim 3lb any more – but he comes alive at this track in early November and seems sure to make the boldest of bids.

Nicholls said: “Present Man looks fantastic. He’s had a great prep and we’ve worked him hard. This is his Gold Cup so we haven’t missed him, he’s been away for a racecourse gallop.

“He seems fantastic and we can’t do any more than that. He’s quite versatile whatever the ground is. He’s 4lb higher than last year but we think he’s in good order and he seems to run really well round this track fresh.”

Nicholls thinks the flat track will also suit Give Me A Copper. “It wasn’t easy last year for Give Me A Copper,” he said.

“I'm convinced he wants a flat track. I don’t think Cheltenham suited him and, although he ran well at Sandown twice, there’s definitely more to come from him. This is a start for the season and he will improve but I think he’ll run well.”

Will The Young Master enjoy better luck this time?

Those with a good memory may recall The Young Master has history in this race – in fact, he was disqualified after his victory in 2014 as he was not qualified to run.

It will be the first time he has returned to Wincanton since he impressively ‘beat’ Court By Surprise, and some of his form last season would give him a good chance of putting matters right.

The Young Master: won twice last season and won this race before being disqualified five years agoCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Trainer Neil Mulholland, who also runs Soupy Soups, said: “The Young Master has run well round Wincanton in the past. He's in good form and ready to go.”

He added: “Soupy Soups has been really consistent at a lower level. He likes Perth, so I’m hopeful he’ll take to Wincanton. Good ground will suit both horses.”

Has White Moon still got in lightly?

White Moon has been a leading contender for this race since blotting his copybook with a last-fence fall over this course in last month’s Desert Orchid Silver Cup.

White Moon was a last-fence faller last timeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He looked firmly in command when coming down and, while the handicapper has reacted with a 5lb rise, there remains the possibility of him being well treated.

Colin Tizzard, who also runs Royal Vacation, said: “We’ve always held him in high regard. Hopefully he can land a nice pot this season.”

What they say

Sam Thomas, trainer of Whisper
We’re waiting on rain before we definitely run. I'm delighted to have such an iconic horse in the stable. He’ll be targeted at the veterans’ races this season.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Rock The Kasbah and Beau Du Brizais
Rock The Kasbah is in very good form. We’ve been waiting a long time for some decent ground for him; I hope we don’t get too much rain. Beau Du Brizais also prefers decent ground. He ran very well at Wincanton last time out.

Robert Walford, trainer of Walk In The Mill
He’s in good form, but may need the run a little. It’s a stepping stone to the Becher Chase next month.

Noel George, son and assistant to Tom George, trainer of Sumkindofking
He’s always a very consistent horse in races such as this. He was second in this race last year although he’s probably not as well in this time around. He should improve for his last run and we’re looking forward to running him.

Harry Fry, trainer of Just A Sting
Good ground is a positive for him, and we’re trying cheekpieces for the first time. He goes well fresh. Hopefully first time out is the time to catch him.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Wicked Willy
It’s a tough enough race for him. If he could be placed we’d be delighted.

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