3 minute read
Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost combine to take handicap feature
The admirable Frodon gave weight and a sound beating to his rivals to claim his second victory in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old was over a stone lower in the weights when landing the prestigious handicap in 2016, but returned with strong claims after finishing second to the reopposing Baron Alco in the BetVictor Gold Cup at the track last month.
With Bryony Frost in the saddle, the diminutive chaser raced on the speed from flag-fall and produced some prodigious leaps to keep the pressure on his 11 rivals in behind.
With Baron Alco fading out of contention, Cepage emerged as the biggest threat, but Frodon found plenty for pressure to see him off by a length and a quarter in the hands of his jubilant rider.
Last year’s winner Guitar Pete boxed on to finish third.
Frost told ITV Racing: “He’s got top-weight, but it’s like he’s got invisible wings – he’s like Pegasus for me!
“Some of those strides – I was like ‘Frodon, what are you thinking?’ I just had to go with him.
“When I asked him to go, there was no catching us then.
“He’s so brave – he’s awesome.”
Frodon becomes only the second dual winner of the race since Poquelin landed successive renewals for Nicholls in 2009 and 2010.
“I thought he went a bit quick for the first mile but he never stopped. I’m absolutely thrilled,” said the Ditcheat handler.
“I thought the last day we could have made a bit more use of him. This track (New Course) suits him better as it is more a test of stamina.
“His jumping is very good and I said to Bryony not to worry about the big weight, just dictate it from the front. He just keeps galloping.
“We will have to go for Grade Ones now. He will probably go for the Ascot Chase and then the Ryanair.”
He added: “He is an astonishing horse as he is not very big, but that gave me some enjoyment – watching him go that gallop carrying 11st 12lb and some of those jumps were spectacular.
“The number one target is the Ryanair and we will work back from that.”
