Frodon repelled the late charge of Elegant Escape to claim a fourth win at Cheltenham in the BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase on Saturday.

Having carried a big weight to victory in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at the track last month, the Paul Nicholls-trained Frodon had earned his step into open company for this recognised trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and was a 9/4 chance under regular partner Bryony Frost.

Despite doubts about his stamina – having never previously won over further than two miles and five furlongs – Frodon soon adopted his customary pacesetting role and fenced and travelled with his usual exuberance for much of the three-mile-one-furlong journey.

After eventually mastering the outsider Allysson Monterg, Frodon moved into the straight seemingly in control.

However, having been off the bridle some way from home, Colin Tizzard’s Welsh Grand National winner and 2/1 favourite Elegant Escape’s stamina reserves kicked in after the final fence to close down the leader.

But the admirable Frodon had enough in the tank to hold him at bay by three-quarters of a length and Nicholls soon confirmed a tilt at the blue riband in less than six weeks’ time is now on the cards.

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