Expectations are Great at Wetherby

Racing: David Pipe’s eight-year-old should be favoured by conditions

David Pipe has kept GABRIAL THE GREAT busy through the summer so he will be fit for action in the Bobby Renton Handicap Chase at Wetherby.

The eight-year-old seems to appreciate a quicker surface and should have conditions in his favour again as he tries to improve on his recent second at Southwell.

Racing over hurdles that day, he was beaten just a neck on the line after hanging a bit in the finish.

TYRELL can notch up a first win for Micky Hammond in the Watch Racing UK Anywhere Handicap Hurdle.

Previously with Alan King, Tyrell struggled to make an impact in his warm-up run on the Flat, but should be more at home back over obstacles.

MELINOE has been paying her way this season and can add a few more pounds to the coffers by winning the TBA Centenary Fillies’ Handicap at Nottingham.

The three-year-old has hardly looked back since kicking off her year with a fourth place in May, hitting the frame on each of her seven outings, including a win at this track back in August.

Sir Mark Prescott placed her to excellent advantage to win over the same mile and six furlongs she faces this time, coming home just under two lengths clear with a fair bit still in hand.

Melinoe subsequently had narrow seconds at Newmarket and Goodwood.

She was a bit unlucky on both occasions, a fact that has not been lost on the handicapper as he has eked her up 4lb for those two defeats.

However, Melinoe still seems to have a little something to give.

SELECTIONS NOTTINGHAM: 1.30 Msayyan, 2.00 Imaginative, 2.30 Crystal Hope, 3.05 Trogon, 3.35 Capton, 4.05 MELINOE (NAP), 4.40 African Friend, 5.15 Teepee Time.

WETHERBY: 2.10 Midnight Man, 2.45 Minella Aris, 3.15 Hello Bertie, 3.45 Gabrial The Great, 4.20 Minstrel Royal, 4.55 Little Pop, 5.25 Tyrell.

DOUBLE: Gabrial The Great and Melinoe.