Frodon contests Betfair Chase ahead of bid for repeat win in King George

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Top horse racing tips and the latest news. 

FRODON is set to contest the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park on Saturday ahead of attempting a second victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

The 10-year-old secured a memorable victory in the 2020 King George under Bryony Frost who was the first female jockey to win the Kempton Park showpiece. 

Frodon was fourth in the King George last year and showed his wellbeing this term when defying a big weight to win a handicap at Wincanton on his comeback two weeks ago.

Frodon, the winner of £1,093,290 in prize money and 19 races that includes three Grade 1s, is reported to be in good shape by Paul Nicholls. The multiple champion trainer has won the Betfair Chase six times, including a record four victories with Kauto Star.

“As long as the ground is soft and not much worse than that we’ll stick to the plan,” Nicholls said earlier this week.

“It’s going to be a small field, he’s fit and what else do I save him for? It’s either that or save him for the King George. If he was favourite for the King George you might say we’ll just keep him fresh. 

“He’s come out of that race [at Wincanton] very well and he is fit. Who knows? He isn’t going to beat Protektorat and A Plus Tard on all known form, of course he’s not, but he might pick up some nice place money and run tidy. 

“At the moment we’re going to declare him tomorrow, but if it got heavy then we’d probably think about it.” 

Frodon faces a maximum of four rivals on Saturday, in a boutique field that includes A Plus Tard and Protektorat – who were first and third in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup – and Bristol De Mai who is attempting to win the Betfair Chase for a record-equalling fourth time.

Frodon is priced at 20-1 for the Betfair Chase and 10-1 for the King George (Paddy Power prices).

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ for top horse racing tips and the latest news.