Sport

Melody in tune

Paul Nicholls can cap a memorable season by saddling Court Melody to win the 42nd running of the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown…

Sat Apr 25 1998 - 01:00

Paul Nicholls can cap a memorable season by saddling Court Melody to win the 42nd running of the Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown today. Since he retired from riding and took out a trainer's licence there has been little doubt that Nicholls would prove well up to his new job.

But this season the Ditcheat trainer has established himself as among the very elite of his profession. The leading handler of chasers with 59 successes to his name - even Martin Pipe has won "just" 45 - Nicholls has shone through his handling of See More Business, winner of the Pertemps King George VI Chase and most unfortunate to be carried out at the 17th fence of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Court Melody finished second to two of tomorrow's rivals, Hillwalk and Samlee, on his first two starts this season, on the latter occasion in the Becher Chase at Aintree in November.

After another couple of fair runs, the 10-year-old came to Sandown for the Agfa Diamond Chase in February. Although starting the 10 to 1 joint-outsider of the six runners, he led at the 13th and was clear approaching the third-last, eventually coming home seven lengths to the good of Destin d'Estruval.

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A week later Court Melody followed up in the Valentines Day Handicap Chase at Newbury, beating McGregor The Third by five lengths.

He has failed to complete on his two outings since, clouting the 16th fence of the Greenalls Grand National Trial at Haydock at the end of February and having no chance when being pulled up before the last.

He fell at Becher's first time round in the Martell Grand National at the beginning of the month, so at least comes into the race without having had to slog through four and a half miles of Aintree mud.

Clearly suited by Sandown, Court Melody is a well handicapped horse who should find conditions ideal. At 16 to 1 with Ladbrokes, he looks a solid bet.

With rain still threatening to wipe out at least part of the card, Sandown executives and the BHB have drafted an unprecedented contingency plan to guarantee some racing today.

The three scenarios are as follows: Scenario A: Flat course fit for racing: 2.15 David Lloyd Leisure Handicap; 2.50 Brewers Fayre Novices' Handicap Chase (Ch4); 3.30 42nd Whitbread Gold Cup (Ch4); 4.10 Thresher Classic Trial (Ch4); 4.45 Marriott Hotels Gordon Richards Stakes (Ch4); 5.15 Pizza Hut Hotel Handicap Chase; 5.45 Beefeater Restaurant Novices' Chase; 6.15 Whitbread Maiden Stakes; 6.45 Whitbread Stakes (Rated Stakes).

Scenario B: Flat course fit for racing apart from the 5f course: 2.15 David Lloyd Leisure Handicap; 2.50 Brewers Fayre Novices' Handicap Chase (Ch4); 3.30 42nd Whitbread Gold Cup (Ch4); 4.10 Thresher Classic Trial (Ch4); 4.45 Marriott Hotels Gordon Richards Stakes (Ch4); 5.15 Pizza Hut Hotel Handicap Chase; 5.45 Beefeater Restaurant Novices' Chase.

Scenario C: Flat course unraceable: 2.50 Brewers Fayre Novices' Handicap Chase (Ch4); 3.30 42nd Whitbread Gold Cup (Ch4); 4.10 Pizza Hut Hotel Handicap Chase; 4.45 Beefeater Restaurant Novices' Chase.