PAUL Nicholls’ Frodon, in tremendous heart this season, ran out a very impressive winner of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham last Sunday.

Ridden to perfection by Bryony Frost, the six-year-old was always well there and, after leading early, went on again at the 13th and effectively settled the issue with a superb leap two out, where runner-up Cepage was awkward.

To his credit the latter kept on to be beaten only just over a length but was receiving 21lbs. It was 15 lengths back to last year’s winner, Guitar Pete, with the field well and truly strung out.

Frodon, 7/1, carried 11st 12lb, at least 12lbs more than anything else. Runner-up to Baron Alco in the BetVictor here, he was 3lbs better off with that rival this time and had him back in fourth, with 7/2 favourite Rather Be fifth.

Nicky Henderson’s horse was never really travelling but kept on past beaten horses and is perfectly capable of winning a handicap of this nature.

Frost is big news at present and the size of the task never seems to bother her. The daughter of Cheltenham and Aintree-winning jockey Jimmy, she has the perfect background and is making the most of it. Frodon is clearly very special to her.

“He’s a complete pleasure to ride,” she said. “I’ve got to thank the owners and Paul for keeping me on him in the BetVictor when I lost my claim. That was a huge confidence booster for me and I wanted to give the horse the success he deserved after finishing second here.

“When winning a race like this you feel relief and excitement but pride most of all.”

A precocious sort, Frodon also won this at four. His handicapping days are probably behind him now and Nicholls will train him for the Ryanair at the festival.

He thinks races through and told Frost not to be afraid to take on Baron Alco, who did well at the adjusted weights but could not handle the pressure in the closing stages.

Venetia Williams, coming into form, was pleased with Cepage, who should have no difficulty in getting off the mark for the season.