They went a fair pace here and stamina won the day in the end with MELFORD coming through from off the pace to take it up turning into the straight. He did not look particularly well handicapped beforehand and this tight track would not have been ideal, but the step up in trip proved right up his street and he added to his stable's recent run of good form.

Harrycone Lewis, back over fences following a hurdles win on Boxing Day, had won on his two previous visits here. He did not see the trip out as strongly as the winner, but again showed his liking for the track.

Regal Bandit and Spring Lover took each other on at the head of affairs and the former eventually won the battle. He weakened quickly after the second last, though, as if he had hit the wall, but was later found to be lame. Making the running on this sharp track seemed to suit him and he can be given another chance.

Menphis Beury was expected to step up on his reappearance at Taunton but proved disappointing, while You're Special was always struggling after a mistake at the eighth fence. [SE]

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