Bryony Frost raring to go on 'boisterous and cocky' Grand National hope

3.15 HaydockUnibet Grand National Trial Handicap Chase | 3m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Bryony Frost is looking forward to getting back on her potential Grand National mount Yala Enki, a horse she likens to Frodon on whom she gained her most famous victory in last year's Ryanair Chase.

She finished third in the Welsh Grand National and then won a conditions chase at Taunton on a ten-year-old who joined Paul Nicholls from Venetia Williams in the close season.

Bryony Frost: looking forward to Yala EnkiCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I schooled him on Thursday and he feels great," the jockey said. "He's such a similar character to Frodon, they're by the same sire – Nickname – and they're boisterous and cocky in many ways and like to get on with the job."

Yala Enki, seventh in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March, is a general 25-1 chance for the Grand National on April 4.

"We are all enthusiastic about him for the National. April is a long way away for jockey and horse but if we all get there in one piece he jumps, he stays and he gallops."

What the stats say

Nine of the last ten winners were aged between eight and ten, which is a negative for ante-post favourite Lord Du Mesnil and for One For Arthur.

None of the last ten winners had a BHA rating higher than 149, which suggests that Elegant Escape, Yala Enki, Ballyoptic (if he switches here) and Vintage Clouds may be up against it.

What they say

Joe Tizzard, son of and assistant to Colin Tizzard, trainer of Elegant Escape
Elegant Escape is rated 162 so life is fairly hard for him as he has to give weight away all round in these types of races. I'm not sure he really ran his race in the Welsh Grand National but he kept galloping to finish sixth. He'll love the ground and conditions and has a Grand National entry. We will find out where we stand with him.

Sue Smith, trainer of Vintage Clouds
He's been fine since the Peter Marsh Chase. It was a lovely performance and we were delighted with the manner in which he jumped – it was great to see him put it all together. The Grand National is now back on the agenda. We just have to decide between now and then whether he also takes in the Ultima Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of One For Arthur
I'm pleased with him and I'm looking forward to the race. He had a soft palate operation after the Becher Chase - the year that he won the National he flipped his palate so we were always going to do it and it was just a matter of timing. He's wearing cheekpieces for the first time as we wanted to sharpen him up and help his concentration over normal fences.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Steely Addition
His target was the Welsh Grand National but unfortunately he picked up a minor issue and couldn't run. However, he's absolutely fine now and will appreciate the very soft conditions. He's in the Grand National and what he does in this race will tell us whether we head there or not.

Richard Hobson, trainer of Lord Du Mesnil
He enjoys the course. I've been saying all along that he needs the right ground conditions and that therefore brings Haydock into the equation. He has options after this including the Cheltenham Festival but I just want to take one run at a time.

Nicky Martin, trainer of The Two Amigos
The wet ground is going to be ideal for him and he has got the right weight on his back. He's in good order and he ran well in the Welsh National. He was going really well when he fell in this race last year.

Evan Williams, trainer of Pobbles Bay
He has got a nice racing weight as he is getting plenty off horses that are rated better than him. Conditions will not be an issue as he is as tough as old nails. It's a case of if you're not in it you can't win it.

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