Melodian will be a warm order here and can shrug off topweight at the expense of Colway Ritz and Alpine Special. Melodian has been in fine form this season, resulting in a rise in the handicap, and indeed carries in excess of ten stone due to a six pound penalty incurred for a battling victory at Haydock. However, trainer Mel Brittain has put up an apprentice to ease the burden and he is capable of following up. Colway Ritz has seen better days but is still able to produce the odd win or two, and whatever he achieves here on his return from a long break, will no doubt visit the winner's enclosure again before being put out to pasture. Alpine Special was comfortably beaten on the fibresand at Southwell in July and it is hard to see him coming out on top, even in receipt of weight from the selection Melodian who must surely take all the beating.
