Racing: Powell aims high with Colonel Frank

Brendan Powell has an excellent standard-bearer for his Twyford, Hampshire, stable in the shape of Colonel Frank who made all the running to win the Future Stars Chase at Sandown Park yesterday.

Brendan Powell has an excellent standard-bearer for his Twyford, Hampshire, stable in the shape of Colonel Frank who made all the running to win the Future Stars Chase at Sandown Park yesterday.

A small but highly select turnout featured some classy performers but, despite being sent off the 9-4 favourite, it was Colonel Frank who arguably had most to prove as he took a notable step up in grade.

But the seven-year-old, trained by Grand National winning-jockey Powell, did everything that could have been expected and more, jumping superbly for rider JP McNamara.

Calling Brave, giving the winner 10lb, tried to mount a challenge and loomed upsides on the run to the last but ruined his chance with a blunder.

Powell said: "I suppose we'll have to look at the Gold Cup. We'll stick him in and see what happens because you could be tempted if it was fast ground."