Three Weekend Eyecatchers - 28/01/2019

Frodon and Bryony Frost just continue to roll on, and landed yet another big race success at Cheltenham this weekend, this time in the Grade Two Cotswold Chase.

Questions were made for the Paul Nicholls-trained 7yo about his stamina, and he dually obliged with an outstanding display of jumping from the front end.

His trainer stated afterwards that he has not had a better jumper in his yard - a very bold statement considering the likes of Kauto Star and Denman filled the stables almost a decade ago.

Frodon began to idol after the final fence, but had enough in hand to repel the late challenge of Welsh Grand National winner Elegant Escape.

Paisley Park made it four from four this season and looks a class apart from his British counterparts, by going clear to land the Cleeve Hurdle with ease at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The 7yo demanded respect beforehand having recorded Grade One success on his first start in top banded company on his latest appearance at Ascot, and confirmed his trainer's promise with a solid swoop up the straight.

As a result, he has now been made favourite for the Stayers Final back at Prestbury Park in March, with Emma Lavelle suggesting that he only has the Irish to beat.

That includes last year's winner Penhill, who looks to arrive at the Festival for the second year in a row without a preparation run.

Lady Buttons can do no wrong for Philip Kirby - a man in excellent form himself, after the mare recorded her third straight success of the season and her first in a Graded field.

Having won a Listed chase here most recently, the 9yo looked a strong fancy for the Yorkshire Rose Mares Hurdle with Tommy Dowson stepping in for the injured Adam Nicol.

Once again, she travelled like a dream up the straight always looking like she was always going the best. She did idol perhaps and won by a reduced advantage near the finish, but the result was never in doubt.

Buttons has multiple options at the Festival in mind, but appears to be destined for the Mares final, where she looks to have incredible value at odds of 33/1.