Keith Melrose advises taking on the favourite in the Rowland Meyrick

Sunday: 2.10 Wetherby
William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Although the ceiling is not that high, with the three topweights rated 150, this is a competitive running. Ladbrokes Trophy winner Cloudy Glen is in there for Venetia Williams, 10lb higher than at Newbury, along with Rehearsal second Good Boy Bobby and the unexposed Empire Steel. Former winner Top Ville Ben and Takingrisks, who has popped up in three big handicaps in his time, count as lurkers.

Ladbrokes Trophy winner Cloudy Glen is one of the topweightsCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Most popular has been Silver Hallmark. His form ties in with Cloudy Glen's to an extent, in that he came out of his reappearance only 6lb worse than Fiddlerontheroof and runs off 5lb lower than that horse did when second in the Ladbrokes Trophy. He is most unexposed, with just six runs under rules behind him, and is bred on his dam's side as though three miles will suit.

It could be that he is thrown in off 145, although that would make him virtually Graded class already. With plenty of valid alternatives – personal order of preference is Empire Steel and Lake View Lad, another former winner – this looks a Rowland Meyrick in which taking on the favourite could pay dividends.
Analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Charlie Deutsch, rider of Cloudy Glen
I don't ride him much at home but he's been all right since Newbury. He looks in fine form and is one of the best horses we have now at Venetia's. I'm really looking forward to getting on him again and anything he does after his Ladbrokes Trophy win will be a bonus.

Nick Alexander, trainer of Lake View Lad
I couldn't be happier with him. He's got a big weight but he was good under one at Haydock the other day. There's no sign that age is catching up with him yet. He won it three years ago and we didn't come here last year as he won the Many Clouds at Aintree. He's been trained for this race and I'm hoping for a big run.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Good Boy Bobby
He ran well at Newcastle last time and was unlucky to come across a well-handicapped rival. He likes the track and has a solid chance.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Silver Hallmark
We'd ideally want soft ground. We're sure he'll stay three miles. I would have preferred to stay at two and a half for the time being, but his form from Carlisle is good, so we're hopeful. It's nice to have Adam Wedge riding him because he knows him really well.

Brian Ellison, trainer of Windsor Avenue
We've kept him fresh after Bangor and he seems to need to be like that nowadays. The form of his last run is great and he was unlucky when impeded by a horse who fell three fences out. We're hoping for a bold run.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

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