True Self will be very hard to beat in Thurles

Willie sends Melon to Cheltenham for the International Hurdle and the first thing to acknowledge is that he is not well treated on ratings.

But, when you look at the race you can see why this is his best option.

He’s coming here to take on what you hope are exposed horses – The New One, My Tent Or Yours, etc – whereas the alternatives were to go to Kempton to take on Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air in the Christmas Hurdle, or go to Leopardstown to take on Faugheen.