Back Frodon to pull his weight

Paul Nicholls proved again last weekend he has few peers when it comes to training winners of valuable weekend chases and

FRODON (cheltenham, nap, 1.55) can emphasise the point in today’s caspian caviar Gold cup.

Many will feel the six-year-old is handicapped to the hilt on a mark of 164, but Frodon’s ability to travel well and jump economically in big-field handicaps are vital attributes and he could be a shade overpriced this morning.

admittedly, the selection has already been beaten by Baron alco at today’s venue this season in the BetVictor Gold cup last month, but his old adversary rather got first run on him that day under an aggressive ride and a switch to the New course, a track which saw Frodon cruise to a 17- length success in a course and distance handicap last January, could be a major positive. Frodon was irresistible that day on heavy ground as Bryony Frost (right) took the inside line and her mount didn’t miss a beat at his fences.

Three subsequent performances in Graded races failed to yield any joy, but a wind operation and a return to handicaps saw him back in the winner’s enclosure at aintree. chasing home Baron alco here last time was the second best performance of his career — his best was that January handicap — so in a race full of ifs and buts, he rates a fairly solid conveyance.

There is always a chance Rather Be, unlucky when brought down here last time, cepage or Full Glass are too well-handicapped to resist for the top weight, but at the prices it is a chance worth taking.