'It’s a fairly lucrative prize' - Fortunes Melody proves her value to Harry Fry

Thursday: Worcester

Harry Fry’s decision to send Fortunes Melody to Worcester paid off after she landed the valuable 2m4f mares' novice chase.

The five-year-old, who won on her seasonal reappearance at Uttoxeter last month, finished a length clear of Voice Of Calm to win more than £13,500, as well as the Great British Bonus.

"It’s a fairly lucrative prize on a Thursday as she also managed to land the full £20,000 GBB bonus on top of it," said Fry. "We've had this race in mind for a while as we wanted to make use of her experience over fences and Daryl Jacob judged the ride to perfection.

"She has plenty of seconds to her name, but in fairness she ran some good races in defeat and finished behind some progressive mares."

The trainer recorded 38 winners last season, and added: "It’s a very exciting time of year but we’re waiting on the weather and we’re a couple of weeks away from getting going in earnest.

"Hopefully the weather will have changed by then and the going will have eased, but we have to be patient because it’s a long season."

Forming partnerships

Ben Ffrench Davis did his reputation no harm after steering the Nicky Henderson-trained Chives to victory in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

The conditional jockey has already celebrated five wins from 22 rides for the trainer.

Results, replays and analysis

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