MODUS IS A MARVEL Geraghty joy
STARTS WITH TIP-TOP RACING
The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old was a 7-1 chance for this fiercely competitive handicap and travelled well throughout the two- mile- five- furlong contest in the hands of Barry Geraghty.
Geraghty appeared keen to hold on to his mount for as long as possible as Templeross, bidding to complete a hat-trick for the afternoon for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies, held the advantage rounding the home turn.
But Modus was moving ominously well in behind and hit the front two flights from the finish.
His rival did his best to make a race of it but Modus had plenty in hand and skipped over the last to seal a two-and-three-quarterlength success.
Templeross was a clear second ahead of Lord Of The Island in third.
Previously unbeaten 11-2 favourite Doesyourdogbite was under pressure a long way from home and finished was beaten by the time he crossed the line.
Geraghty said: “The yard felt that he could be too JASON HEAVEY keen on so ft ground, so we put the hood back on him and it worked really well.
“He seemed to lack the pace in his last race at Ascot, so I was happy enough he’d get the trip today.
“He travelled well and I wasn’t sure how much I had under the hood but in fairness he kept going well.
“It was a good, solid performance and I am very happy.”
Earlier in the afternoon, Vaniteux more than justified his 5-4 favouritism by landing the 32Red Casino Chase.
Nicky Henderson’scharge always seemed to be going well under Paul Moloney and he took the line two-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of Paul Nicholls’ Vibrato Valtat, who was ridden by Sam TwistonDavies.