The Cheltenham Festival 2019 is fast approaching on the horizon and Paul Nicholls is hoping that Frodon could be a contender for the biggest race of the season.
The Ditcheat handler is set to send his popular in-mate to the Cotswold Chase on trials day at the end of the month with half an eye on running the horse in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
The legendary trainer has a remarkable record in the big race thanks to horses like Kauto Star and Denman and there are now hopes that Frodon could also play a major part in the race if he proves up to the challenge.
The 7-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable career to date so far with close to £500,000 in prize money to his name but there could be even bigger prizes ahead for one of the toughest horses in training.
Frodon was last seen winning the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup in some style off a mark of 164 and a try in graded company back up in trip does now seem the logical step for a horse who has done most of his winning at 2m4f. The Paul Vogt owned animal was 5th in the Ryanair Chase last season but has been excellent so far this winter and is currently rated 169 by the BHA.
The Cotswold Chase will be the 4th time he has run over 3m but the first time since finishing 2nd in the Silver Cup at Ascot in December 2017.
Bryony Frost will be on board on trials day as she looks for a first ride in the Cheltenham Gold Cup with punters able to get 33/1 as it stands about Frodon claiming the big race in March.
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