Newbury preview: Melodius has a sound chance

Melodious has been in terrific form this season can get back to winning ways in the 1m 4f handicap at Newbury this evening (20.45).

The David Elsworth trained filly won her first two starts of the campaign in the manner of a progressive sort, and lost little in defeat last time out when sixth of 10 to Covert Love in a warm 1m 2f handicap at York.

After racing in mid-division, Melodious made some headway a furlong from home before being outpaced to be beaten 7 3/4 lengths.

However, the three-year-old was not knocked about once it was clear she would not be winning and the winner is an ultra-progressive sort who has gone on to land the Group 1 Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

In the circumstances Melodius ran as well as could be expected in receipt of just 2lb from Covert Love, and it was an effort which suggested the daughter of Cape Cross remained in-form.

Off an unchanged mark of 81, Melodius does not look harshly-treated and the weight-for-age allowance means that she races off bottom weight of 8st 5lb.

That should enable Meldious to be very competitive, especially with Tim Clark in the saddle taking off another 3lb with his claim.

Royal Toast has been knocking on the door of late and can take advantage of a drop in grade to open his account in the 1m 2f handicap (19.05).

The Richard Hannon trained gelding has finished third in his last three outings, and posted a career-best in the last of those when staying on to be beaten two lengths in a class 3 contest at Ascot.

That run suggested that Royal Toast will appreciate the step up in trip to this evening’s trip.

The three-year-old is aso now dropped into class 4 company off an unchanged mark of 71, and that gives Royal Toast outstanding claims of landing the spoils.