Strong pace could see Melon in a better light going forward

Western Ryder
Winner, 2m1f novice hurdle, Cheltenham, Friday, December 15
This useful bumper performer has taken to his new discipline in impressive style. Placed in midfield, he jumped well throughout and moved smoothly into contention before showing an impressive turn of foot to win going away. I think he will be even better in a strongly run heat, probably over an extra half-mile.

The solidly made Lalor looked in superb shape. A touch keen once the race was under way, he came down the hill full of running, but as hard as he tried he could not reel in the winner. It is only a matter of time before he records his first win over hurdles.

Summerville Boy, a chasing type, was active in the paddock and on his toes throughout the preliminaries. His jumping lacked fluency on a number of occasions, but it’s a testament to his ability that he kept on strongly right through the line. I am sure his jumping will come together and this was a much stronger race than the one he contested previously.

Shoal Bay looked the part but had to run with a 6lb penalty. Racing on the outside, he seemed to lack the change of pace needed coming down the hill. He is only four, though, and I am sure he has plenty more to offer.

Some Man and It’s Got Legs both look like future chasers. The latter looked exceptionally well.

Duel At Dawn
Second, 3m1½f novice chase, Cheltenham, Friday
This was a poor show by trainers with only four horses showing up for total prize-money of £25,000, but this seven-year-old was the pick of the bunch and I thought he ran a decent race under a 5lb penalty. What I liked was that even when he was passed coming round the final bend he stuck to his task.

Sizing Tennessee is a strong-looking gelding and managed to record his first victory over fences, but I think he will struggle in a more competitive heat. One of his problems is that he changes his lead leg when he approaches a fence and only seems to jump cleanly when asked by his jockey, unable to work it out for himself.

Attest
Fifth, 2m1f handicap hurdle, Cheltenham, Friday
This strongly made gelding looked in blinding form and was full of himself as he walked around the parade ring. A touch keen in the early stages, he settled into a rhythm when the pace increased down the back. Richard Johnson manoeuvred his mount to the outside and was coming with a sustained challenge when he was denied a clear run against the stands rails, which halted his momentum. This unexposed type is on the up.

Smaoineamh Alainn came here on the back of a win at Wincanton and showed good guts and determination to come out on top. If things get a bit tougher in open company, she can revert to taking on her own sex.

Champagne City, who completed a hat-trick in the summer months, stepped up to run with credit in a much better contest. If he fails to make it over hurdles, he can be sent chasing.

Sea Wall and Okotoks looked well.