ENGLISH challenger Mellottie had Sunday's International Cup mission salvaged with a little help from the French at Sha Tin yesterday morning - though clouds still hang over the eight-year-old's soundness.
The 1991 Cambridgeshire winner passed the pre-declaration veterinary inspection only after last-minute remedial work from Patrick Biancone's chiropractor, Jean Claude Fruchon.
Prior to Fruchon's manipulation, Mellottie had walked very stiffly and pulled up looking lame behind after only a light canter.
He had been due to work solidly under crack Irish jockey Mick Kinane but that gallop was cancelled once it became obvious that the powerful-looking colt had pulled out feelingly.
The Royal Hongkong Jockey Club's senior vet, Keith Watkins said yesterday: ''I saw the horse last night when he was troubled over his right hind.
''But he certainly trotted up much better this morning after he had had his back seen to. He doesn't have to be officially passed again as this morning was the official check on all horses but I will definitely be keeping my eye on him. I will have another look tomorrow morning.'' The Jockey Club have until 10am on Saturday morning to substitute first reserve Northern Fire Ball for Mellottie should the latter's condition worsen.