Melon cut for Champion Hurdle after Down Royal victory
The Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old escaped from a final-flight mishap to run out a fairly comfortable winner under Ruby Walsh at Down Royal.
HALLOWEEN may have been and gone earlier this week but Willie Mullins suffered a late final-flight scare as Melon nearly threw away the WKD Hurdle at Down Royal.
The five-year-old chestnut gelding held a big reputation long before his jumping debut at Leopardstown last season and, after winning his maiden hurdle, he produced two superb displays in Grade One company at Cheltenham and Punchestown, finishing as runner-up in both.
He was the 2-5 favourite to make a winning return to action in this two-mile Grade Two and was settled in behind his stablemate Coquin Mans and Wakea for much of the two-mile journey.
Wakea dropped away rounding the home turn, leaving the two Mullins inmates to fight it out and Melon was winning the argument when he pecked on landing after jumping the final flight.
Thankfully for favourite-backers, the mistake did not halt his momentum, and he galloped on to score by a fairly comfortable four and a half lengths.
Melon was cut to 8-1 in places for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, and Walsh said: "He was a big, raw horse last year and did exceptionally well to do what he did.
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"He has strengthened up considerably; he's a bigger, stronger horse. He was only a frame of a horse last year. He looks a more robust, stronger horse now who is improving with age. It was a good performance to beat race-fit horses in Coquin Mans and Wakea.
"He has to keep improving but it is a good starting point. He quickened up well.
Templegate's TV Tips
Ascot 1.50 - Copain De Classe: 'I'm confident he's well weighted and the switch to fences should be the making of him'
Wetherby 2.05 - La Bague Au Roi: 'She was a smart novice last season and this looks an ideal opportunity to land another Listed prize'
Ascot 2.25 - Max Ward: 'Took well to fences last season and this drop in distance should suit'
Wetherby 2.40 - Wholestone: 'Has the potential to be a smart stayer and there was a lot to like about his return effort'
Ascot 3.00 - Air Horse One: 'He's one to follow this season and should get the strong pace he likes here'
Wetherby 3.15 - Bristol De Mai: 'Has always promised to develop into a top-class chaser and can show that class today'
Ascot 3.35 - Ballykan: 'He's become nicely weighted after losing his form in the spring and summer'
"Paul (Townend on Coquin Mans) kind of stretched me at the top of the hill. I had a couple of lengths to make up on him and he closed it down quick."
When asked if he would get two and a half miles, Walsh added: "He probably will but I don't know if he will have to.
"I'd rather have him than be looking at him!"