Dual Champion Hurdle runner-up Melon opened his account over fences with a battling display at Leopardstown. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old was considered a potential superstar in the making both before and after making a winning Irish debut at the Dublin circuit in January, 2017. “He makes life difficult for himself, but he fought back well today.”He added on plans: “I’d imagine the Arkle is the likely target. I’d say the hurdle flicked back at him going down the back (straight), but he’s professional enough and I’m happy with him. He’s a nice horse.”Betfair make Abacadabras their 7-2 favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Source: Irish Examiner December 27, 2019 15:11 UTC