Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

A fascinating event that pits the first two from last month's Supreme Novices' Hurdle into battle again. MELON was a warm order for that contest despite having run only once previously. He cannot be faulted too much for his effort and should have learned plenty from that skirmish amidst the heat of Grade One battle. With the potential for an improved performance here, he is given the vote to turn tables on Labaik. The Elliott runner was under the radar at Cheltenham due to his tendency to act up at the start. His talent is clear for all to see but his temperament cannot be assumed to have transformed on just one run, so he still comes with risks and might find that Melon has more to offer now regardless. Pingshou landed a Grade One at Aintree and is respected on the back of it while the other Mullins contenders Bunk Off Early and Cilaos Emery should not be discounted from leaving their Cheltenham efforts behind and running big races.

1. Melon
2. Labaik
3. Pingshou