held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden and every chance when hit last and fell
tracked leader, led after 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, headed flat, no extra
close up, ridden and every chance last, weakened flat
held up, headway 3 out, joined leaders approaching last, led flat, driven and ran on
held up, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, always travelling well, ridden approaching 2 out, every chance approaching last, weakened flat
led, headed after 3rd, remained close up, ridden and weakened 2 out, hampered last
in touch, weakened 5th, soon behind and pulled up before 2 out
Meltonian was never tested in winning a novices' hurdle at Towcester recently and, with fellow front runner Angels Venture also in the line up, he may struggle to follow up in this stiffer race with preference for Whaleef. The selection disappointed in the Jewson Handicap Hurdle Final at Cheltenham last month but a reproduction of earlier form when winning at Bangor (twice) and Perth would give Paul Webber's gelding a great chance back at this level. Gary Moore's Gabor has slipped to a fair mark but has shown little sign of encouragement on the flat this year. Agitando seems to be in the grip of the handicapper, while Roppongi Dancer is likely to struggle from 2lbs out of the weights proper and is surely booked for a place at best. In an uninspiring contest then, the best option may be Whaleef.
