Melodic calls the tune at Wincanton Melodic Rendezvous found more when it mattered to deny Zarkandar in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton. The Jeremy Scott-trained eight-year-old was sent off the even-money favourite in the Grade Two over two miles and again showed his aptitude for a fight in the mud. Zarkandar and Daryl Jacob took up the running at the top of the home straight and still held an advantage after the last flight, but Melodic Rendezvous arrived powerfully on the near-side rail under Nick Scholfield. The two horses got close along the run-in, with Scott's inmate taking top honours by half a length. Scott said: "They ignored my pacemaker, which I feared they might, and it has turned into a bit of a sprint off the bend. "I'm pleased how he battled back. As long as the ground is OK, he'll go to Cheltenham. "I suppose the Aintree Hurdle would be the easier race for him but the owners are very keen to go to Cheltenham and, as long as he's healthy, I'm sure he will."
