Festival hero Byrony Frost out to add Summer Cup to growing record at Uttoxeter

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Byrony Frost, who partnered Pacha Du Polder to Cheltenham Festival glory, could be set for another big race victory aboard Southfield Vic in Uttoxeter's valuable Summer Cup.

Twenty runners contest the handicap, which is one of the highlight Summer races in the National Hunt season.

Her mount Southfield Vic has won two of his last three starts, but was last seen finishing fourth at Aintree.

“He’s high enough in the weights and Byrony (Frost) takes a valuable five off him,” said Harry Derham, assistant to Nicholls.

“He seems in good form and the drier ground will suit him better. I’m hoping he can go well.”

Frost has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, winning six races from just twenty rides; yet her most memorable moment came when winning the Foxhunters Chase.

Nicholls also runs Keltus, who was last seen finishing second at Fontwell.

“He got a bit stuck in the mud at Fontwell last time,” Derham added.

“It’s a tough competitive race and he’s a very consistent horse. Whether he is good enough to go and win, maybe not, but he always gives his best.”

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Jamie Snowden's Fact Of The Matter is a 11-1 chance for the Summer Cup

Jamie Snowden believes progressive Fact Of Matter can sustain his improvement in Uttoxeter’s feature race.

He won a competitive novice prize at Cheltenham, before running well when third at Aintree.

“He’s an unexposed chaser but he’s progressing up the ranks nicely,” said the Berkshire-based trainer.

“He came out of the novice ranks and ran a lovely race up at Aintree first time out, in a good race beating Southfield Vic.

“He was third, but he probably didn’t have the run of the race. He stayed on very well in the closing stages.

“The step up in trip should suit, providing the ground isn’t soft. He’s got a lovely racing weight, and looks to have every chance.”

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Henllan Harri picked up £1,431 when third at Ffos Las, but picked up £84,405 when winning at Sandown on his next start.

Peter Bowen is expecting another big performance from Henllan Harri after a shock victory in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

The nine-year-old was a 40-1 shot when a narrow winner in the competitive handicap, and is fancied to follow up.

“He’s in good form,” said Bowen.

“Henllan Harri went up a bit after winning his last run, but it was a good win and I think he should go well again.

“His win at Sandown was amazing, but I did always think he could run well. It would be great if he could follow it up.”

JP McManus is represented by In The Rough, Upswing and Join The Clan, meanwhile Colin Tizzard has plenty of top three mile chasers and saddles Tempetstatefloresco.

Optimistic Bias hopes for a fourth straight win for James Evans, whilst Dan Skelton’s Shelford, Rebecca Curtis’ Vintage Vinnie and Henry Oliver’s Ozzy Thomas all have strong claims.