Rainbow heads Melling entries

Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Finian’s Rainbow heads the entries for the John Smith‘s Melling Chase at Aintree next Friday.

The two-and-a-half-mile contest could draw together form lines from several of the big races at the Cheltenham Festival as other entries include Ryanair Chase runner-up Albertas Run and Arkle Trophy second Cue Card.

Throw in Medermit, Poquelin and Wishfull Thinking and a cracking race is in prospect for the Grade One event, which has attracted one Irish entry in Forpadydeplasterer.

The John Smith‘s Mildmay Novices’ Chase has attracted the Paul Nicholls-trained Silviniaco Conti and Join Together, as well as Jewson runner-up Champion Court. Emma Lavelle’s Penny Max and Pam Sly’s Helpston are also engaged.

The Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle sees 29 entries including Fingal Bay, Cotton Mill, Knock A Hand and Tap Night.

Friday’s race over the big National fences is the John Smith‘s Topham Chase, with dual winner Always Waining going for the hat-trick.

The Tangle Teaser Top Novices’ Hurdle could see Darlan out again, with Hinterland and Dodging Bullets others to note.