MELODIC RENDEZVOUS was withdrawn from a Grade 2 at Kempton yesterday to come here instead and will likely be a very short price. He was a high-class hurdler and overcame a few errors to make a winning start over fences at Bangor. Killala Quay looks the one for forecast-backers, despite finishing tailed off in a four-runner race at Doncaster last time. This is easier and the mare Mrs Peachey will need more time judged on her run at Huntingdon. Couldhavehaditall came up against a progressive novice here four weeks ago but his future probably lies in handicaps.
Melodic Rendezvous 4-11fav (10-13) Held up mainly in 3rd, went 2nd 3 out, driven and effort next, upsides last, ridden and kept on under pressure flat, led narrowly final strides, won at Bangor 2m 1f nov chs (4) hvy beating Boondooma (10-13) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Couldhavehaditall (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Mid-division, closed 4th, lost place 6th, not fluent 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, went 2nd flat, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 13l behind Stellar Notion (11-8) at Leicester 2m nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gs in Nov.
Killala Quay 9-4 (11-1) Held up in rear and in touch, left 3rd from last, ridden 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 3rd of 4, 46l behind Virak (11-8) at Doncaster 3m nov chs Grade 2 (1) sft.
Mrs Peachey (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Held up in last pair, headway and closer order 10th, pushed along and weakened on long run to 2 out, well beaten when blundered 2 out, tailed off, last of 5, 36l behind Highland Retreat (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m 4f mares nov ch (4) gs.
