De Bromhead ace Minella Melody deserves to head market for Mares' Novice Hurdle

Tom Collins on the latest developments along the road to the Cheltenham Festival

Minella Melody (Rachael Blackmore) leads Coolreevy (far side) and Dolcita (near side) in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse

Minella Melody (blue): withheld a strong Willie Mullins challenge in the Solerina HurdleCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Trainer Henry de Bromhead and owner Kenny Alexander have an exciting bunch of mares on their hands. As well as live Champion Hurdle/Mares' Hurdle hope Honeysuckle, the pair have the talented Minella Melody to look forward to in the novice division.

The Mares' Novice Hurdle, which was first run in 2016, has been dominated by the Irish – all four winners hailing from Willie Mullins' Closutton stable.

Limini, Let's Dance and Laurina won the first three editions by wide margins in dominant fashion, posting Racing Post Ratings of 148, 146 and 154.

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Published on 30 January 2020inFeatures

Last updated 05:53, 31 January 2020

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