Sport

Mod ready to rock at Aintree

Module has plenty in his favour as he goes for a first Grade one win in the Betfred Melling Chase on the second day of the Crabbie's Grand National meeting at Aintree.

Tom George's charge has so far enjoyed a solid campaign but he can have his moment in the sun as he tackles this intermediate distance of two-and-a-half miles.

The seven-year-old looked a likely Ryanair type after finishing fourth in what is now the JlTChase at the Festival last year but following a one-paced fourth in the Peterborough Chase, George decided to go down the two-mile route.

Victory in the Game Spirit Chase prompted connections to opt for the Champion Chase at the Festival with the ground expected to be testing following such a wet winter.

However, by the Wednesday of the Festival, the ground had dried to good and Module was just found wanting against a true two-miler in Sire de Grugy.

He was edged out for second by just a neck and a repeat of that kind of form should see Module take a leading role over a trip that will certainly suit.

Wonderful Charm was a bit unfortunate at the Festival and it is worth keeping the faith in the Betfred Mobile Mildmay Novices' Chase.

Second behind oscar Whisky at Cheltenham in december, Paul Nicholls opted to save his charge for the Festival, foregoing a prep run on the deep winter ground in favour of arriving fresh on the big day.

That decision failed to pay dividends, though, as he struggled to go with them mid-race before starting to make a little bit of progress as the pace upped for home.

However, his challenge was effectively ended when he was hampered four fences from home and he looked in need of a longer trip as he stayed on up the hill and was never nearer than at the finish.

The switch up to three-miles-and-a-furlong can only be seen as a positive and the Aintree track is expected to suit.

Killala Quay was no match for Faugheen at Cheltenham but compensation awaits in the doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle.

He looked a smart horse when winning a Grade Two at Sandown back in december but a thoroughly lacklustre show at Warwick the following month saw most discount his chance in the Neptune, despite the fact he was reported to be sick.

However, he ran much better than his odds of 25/1 suggested, finishing six lengths behind Faugheen after staying on all the way up the hill.

That was a fine effort after a less-than-ideal preparation run and he should be spot-on for this task.

Josses Hill can improve on his Cheltenham second in the ifb2014.com Top Novices' Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson's charge was well beaten by Vautour at Prestbury Park but he stayed on gamely to post a career-best and must surely go close if repeating that kind of form.

IRISH NEWS YANKEE

Nap: Module (3.05: Aintree)

Double: Wonderful Charm (2.30: Aintree)

Treble: Killala Quay (4.15: Aintree)

Yankee: Josses Hill (2.00: Aintree)