Harry Davies continues rapid start with fifth victory aboard Melakaz

Saturday: Lingfield

Harry Davies recorded his fifth winner of the season when Melakaz rallied late to score after a three-way finish in the 1m4f handicap.

The apprentice jockey, a two-time champion pony racer, has hit the ground running, scoring on just his second ride under rules and last week winning aboard Tranquil Night for Charlie Appleby at Kempton.

On his only ride of the day, Davies drove home Melakaz to score by a neck but faced an anxious wait as the stewards determined whether his mount, who drifted right on the straight, caused interference.

The four-year-old recorded his third course success in a row, and his trainer Robert Stephens said: "He did that nicely. He's improving and he likes the course. He's got plenty of scope and could be a nice one for the summer – he could also be a useful dual purpose horse."

Eighth time lucky

Protected Guest finished in the first three in each of his last seven starts but finally had his day in the sun when winning the 1m4f handicap in a pulsating finish from Trevolli and favourite Celtic Art.

The seven-year-old, trained by George Margarson, got his nose in front for the first time since March 2021 after rallying late to win by a head under David Probert, who recorded a double on the card.

He also struck aboard 5-6 favourite War In Heaven, who registered back-to-back wins for Andrew Balding in the 6f handicap. The trainer doubled up in the novice contest with 1-10 shot Notre Belle Bete.

Results, replays and analysis

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