Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:05 | Winning time: 4m 8.90s

Melon⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: D J Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155

7/4

Much-vaunted novice last season after debut success, found only Labaik too strong in the Supreme here in March and behind stablemate Cilaos Emery at Punchestown. Winner at Down Royal (2m, soft) recently but faces seasoned campaigners now.

Form: 122-1

The New One²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 163| CD

5/2

Three-time winner of this contest, landed the Welsh Champion Hurdle in October on reappearance and sound fourth in the Greatwood here since. Not getting any younger but tough as old boots and should go well.

Form: 1534-14

John Constable^t⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: D N Russell| T: Evan Williams| OR: 155| D

25/1

Is 4-13 over timber and last spotted in this sphere winning Listed Market Rasen contest in July off 150. Poor in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket and record around here isn't inspiring.

Form: 600F-11

Old Guard¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149| CD

9/1

Won this two years ago and returns off a sound success in 2m4½f Newbury handicap hurdle a fortnight ago. Likely to give his running but stiff ask on these terms seemingly.

Form: 47-7131

Ch'tibello³⁰¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 157| D

15/2

Promising second to Yanworth in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in February when last out before missing Champion Hurdle here in March. Will thrive on testing ground and rates an interesting contender for Skelton duo that are thriving lately.

Form: 1/35132-

Dell' Arca^b,t²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 150| CD

66/1

Winner over 3m at Newbury early last month, though was subsequently pulled up around here over that same trip. Down in journey this time but sharp rise in class and a shock should he come up the hill with an advantage.

Form: 1-2441P

My Tent Or Yours^h²³²

Age: 10| Weight: 11-0| J: B J Geraghty| T: N J Henderson| OR: 162| D

5/1

Likeable performer who has endured his share of problems down the years but never seems to run a poor race. Three-times runner-up in Grade 1 contests in the spring, including Champion Hurdle here, beaten by The New One in this a year ago.

Form: 324222-

Forecasts

Melon (7/4), The New One (5/2), My Tent Or Yours (5/1), Ch'tibello (15/2), Old Guard (9/1), John Constable (25/1), Dell' Arca (66/1)

It is easy to make a case for both The New One and My Tent Or Yours, regulars in this race and in top-tier contests down through the years but neither is getting any younger now. That isn't to say they cannot run well, but this could represent a changing of the guard none the less. Melon looks certain to run a big race and his respected connections think plenty of him, while he also boasts useful course form from the Festival in March but a chance is taken with the returning CH'TIBELLO. He was down to run in Champion Hurdle here in March after a fine effort at Wincanton a month prior before being ruled out on the morning of the race. The Skelton team are in supreme form and, given he goes well in testing ground, he should be primed for a big run on his return to action.