Newbury preview (12.30): Modus set to enhance Festival claims

David Metcalf | November 26, 2015

Modus looked a top notch prospect when making a winning debut over hurdles and can follow-up in the 2m contest that opens proceedings on a cracking card at Newbury (12.30) to further enhance his 2016 Cheltenham Festival credentials.

The gelding has some very smart bumper form to his name when trained by Robert Stephens, finishing second to Moonracer at the Cheltenham Festival and a cracking third to Bellshill in a Grade 1 contest at Punchestown.

Modus was purchased by leading Irish owner JP McManus after those efforts and sent to champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

The five-year-old then opened his account for the Ditcheat handler at the first time of asking when easily landing a 2m 1f novice hurdle at Taunton earlier in the month.

After racing keenly in midfield, Modus made smooth headway at the sixth to challenge two from home.

Jockey Barry Geraghty then shook him up approaching the last, and Modus quickened effortlessly clear on the run-in to score with tons more in hand than the 3 3/4 length winning margin suggests.

It was a most taking performance, and one which saw Modus given a quote of 16/1 for the 2016 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle by Coral.

The son of Motivator looks the perfect type for that contest, and although Modus now faces much stiffer opposition I expect him to come through this test with flying colours.

Charmix can keep up Harry Fry form

Charmix scored in good style on his hurdles debut at Wetherby last time out and looks sure to make his presence felt for in-form trainer Harry Fry.