Friday 3 November 2017

Supreme form boosted as Melon and River Wylde complete Friday double

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Supreme Novice runner-up Melon registered his second hurdles success for Willie Mullins, after enjoying a four-a-half-length success in the Grade Two WKD Hurdle.

Mullins' five-year-old, who lost out to Labaik at Cheltenham, progressed well through the race to forge clear ahead of stablemate Coquin Mans.

He made a mistake at the final flight, but kept on well to secure his first pattern win.

"He was a big, raw horse last year and did exceptionally well to do what he did," said jockey Ruby Walsh.

"He has strengthened up considerably, he's a bigger, stronger horse. He was only a frame of a horse last year.

"He looks a more robust, stronger horse now who is improving with age. It was a good performance to beat race-fit horses in Coquin Mans and Wakea.

"He has to keep improving but it is a good starting point. He quickened up well.

"Paul (Townend on Coquin Mans) kind of stretched me at the top of the hill. I had a couple of lengths to make up on him and he closed it down quick."

The bookmakers shortened him from 16-1 to 14-1 for next year's Champion Hurdle after his victory in Ireland.

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River Wylde won Kempton's Dovecote Novice Hurdle last season

Elsewhere River Wylde completed a double on Uttoxeter's card for Nicky Henderson.

The Supreme third, travelled strongly and jumped fluently placed in midfield before powering through the pack to see off second favourite Hell's Kitchen by three lengths.

Henderson's French import Dame De Compagnie scored in the opening race of the day.

The four-year-old, who was previously a winner on her only start in France, overcame hurdles impressively before Barry Geraghty quickened well to win by just under two lengths.

Geraghty didn't get off the bridle, and she looked a very smart mare in the making for the champion trainer.

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