Walsh to be sweet on Melon expects Mullins

Willie Mullins expects Ruby Walsh to side with Melon in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Closutton handler won three consecutive renewals of the traditional Festival curtain-raiser with Champagne Fever, Vautour and Douvan, and last year’s favourite Min found only Altior too strong.

Melon was the subject of plenty of positive reports even before his impressive Leopardstown debut in late January and he spearheads a potential four-horse assault on this year’s Supreme by Ireland’s perennial champion trainer.

“We’ll probably have four or five runners. Melon, Bunk Off Early, Crack Mome, Cilaos Emery – those four, anyway,” said Mullins.

“When you’re looking at what Melon does at home all the time, I’d say it will be an easy enough decision for Ruby.

“I think both Crack Mome and Cilaos Emery have good enough form to be placed in it, if not win it, if things go right for them.

“All of them will improve.”