Turf Talk: Aintree win sets Frodon atop the weights for Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham

Top-weight Frodon heads a maximum field of 20 declared for tomorrow's BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
Frodon is top weight of 20 declared for tomorrows BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA WireFrodon is top weight of 20 declared for tomorrows BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA Wire
Frodon is top weight of 20 declared for tomorrows BetVictor Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. PIC: Julian Herbert/PA Wire

The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old is burdened with 11st 12lb and has to give between 9lb and 26lb to his rivals after making a successful seasonal debut in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month.

He actually ran in this race as a four-year-old in 2016, when unplaced behind Taquin Du Seuil, but returned to Cheltenham the following month to win the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. Nicholls also saddles Movewiththetimes and Romain de Senam.

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All the leading fancies stand their ground including ante-post favourite Rather Be, from Nicky Henderson’ stable, Mick Channon’s Mister Whitaker and the Neil Mulholland-trained duo Kalondra and Shantou Village.

David Pipe is two-handed with King’s Socks and Eamon An Cnoic as he bids to continue his family’s excellent record in the race. He won it with Great Endeavour in 2011, and his father Martin holds the record with eight victories.

Tom Scudamore, stable jockey at Nicholashayne, feels both horses go to Prestbury Park in fine shape.

“King’s Socks has had an interrupted time since he came to England,” said Scudamore. “He ran very well at the Cheltenham Festival last year when he was fifth. He travelled very well for a long way. He seems in good order at home. David has got a great record in the race, as has the Pipe family.

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“I’ve sat on both Eamon An Cnoic and King’s Socks – schooled them both. They seem in really good order.

“We’re very happy with where we are with them, and I certainly wouldn’t put anyone off either of them.”

Others in the mix include last year’s winner Splash Of Ginge, Javert and Baron Alco. The sole reserve is Black Scorpion.

SOBOT’S SELECTIONS

WETHERBY: 12.30 Renwick, 1.05 Stowaway Magic, 1.40 Tonto’s Spirit, 2.15 Cataraman Du Seuil, 2.50 Kajaki, 3.20 Beeno, 3.50 Captain Mowbray.

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CHELTENHAM: 12.40 Montestrel, 1.15 The Worlds End, 1.50 Rock The Kasbah, 2.25 MISTER WHITAKER (NAP), 3.00 First Assignment, 3.30 Point Of Principle, 4.00 Mrs Hyde.

LINGFIELD: 11.55 Molten Lava, 12.25 Garrison Commander, 1.00 Humanitarian (next best), 1.35 Salateen, 2.10 Side Effect, 2.45 Addeybb (treble), 3.15 Above The Rest, 3.45 Your Band.

UTTOXETER: 12.15 Boychick, 12.50 Arthur’s Sixpence, 1.25 Another Frontier, 2.00 Tokay Dokey, 2.35 Molly The Dolly, 3.05 Diva Du Maquis, 3.40 Little Jack.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.15 Rajman, 5.45 So Hi Storm, 6.15 Amjaady, 6.45 Sezim, 7.15 Hello Bangkok, 7.45 Be Thankful, 8.15 Three Little Birds, 8.45 Aljunood.