Melling Chase 2014

3.05 Aintree

Betfred Melling Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £112,540 

Advice: 1 pt win Radjahni Express (3/1 general)

Ballynagour: Deeply impressive on UK debut but when unable to follow up on next two outings when hotly fancied; Proved he has all that talent and more when landing Festival Plate in fine style, romping home by 8 lengths and competitive race a procession; Main worry not that he’s not upto this class, but that he may not reappear in same form as has been the case after other British win.

Boston Bob: Looked to be making into an excellent staying chaser last year but fell when it counted in two major staying novice chases and not in the same form since; This probably a tad easier then the Ryanair he contested last time, but outpaced there and at this venue, don’t see anything different happening.

Days Hotel: Crack 2m chaser when the mud is flying but well beaten in Grade 1 Clarence House at Ascot and not shown form at this level in last two Grade 1 tries; Not sure how much of this ground he wants and more needed.

French Opera: Grand and class veteran but was beaten silly by returning Al Ferof, himself only fifth in Ryanair, albeit when injuring himself; Three years since last win despite excellent effort in Grand Annual.

Rajdhani Express: Hinted at being a graded open age chaser when winning novice handicap at the Festival and the landing Grade 2 at Ayr; Upped 15lbs in the handicap, fifth on return in Paddy Power, and then third in the Ryanair when leaping from that form at Festival; That form makes him a prime conter here and should go very well.

Rathlin: Had some awesome summer jumping form but just not bought that to the table here at the peak of the season and has to find improvement from somewhere to get competitive.

Rolling Aces: Landed Grade 2 (not best at weights) on return at Down Royal and then not at the races the last twice although didn’t really get home at Sandown and might have been amiss physically latest

Toner D’Oudaries: Second to Rolling Aces at beginning of the season; Yet to be knoekced out of the first two in last 9 starts but none of that form gives him strong place chance here, well behind Arvika Liegionnaire the last twice and pur in place by Days Hotel.

Wishfull Thinking; Was second in this in 2012, one of his better efforts over course of career; Back to something like best when landing Trials Day handicap but only fifth in Champion and hard to see him reversing that Module form.

Pepite Rose: Very useful handicap chaser, one of the best mares over fences, but took advantage of helpful conditions and a lenient mark when romping home at Newbury and this a whole different matter today.

VERDICT: RADJAHANI EXPRESS is the one to beat after his Ryanair third, form which sees him hold a few reposing types here and he is sure to play a big part in the finish.