Irish point-to-point winner who cost £100,000 and has failed to live up to expectations in two bumpers and a hurdle. Has left Nicky Henderson and debuts for an in-form yard with headgear left off.
Showed promise on bumper debut but failed to build on that next time. Has been given time since and has switched to a yard that have been quiet lately.
Picked up for £40,000 in November following his 2L victory at Tinahely a year ago. Impressive on debut but finished a well-beaten third of four next time under similar conditions. Arrives with trainer and jockey in excellent form.
Only just came up short in a steadily-run bumper at Ascot (2m, good) when trained by Mark Pitman in November and that form has worked out well. Disappointing in the mud next time and interesting to see if there is market support.
Forecasts
Melekhov (1/1), Khage (11/4), Markhan (6/1), Shantaluze (8/1), Soldier Of Love (10/1), Cracking Destiny (14/1)
Melekhov and Shantaluze are promising recruits from the bumper ranks. Both represent yards in excellent form but it may pay to side with the hurdling experience of MARKHAN who was fairly useful on the Flat. He may have too much speed on this ground for his rivals who may want further and who have only proven themselves on soft ground.