In Latin, Modus means a way in which to get something done. For us in our final edition of the Ante-Post focus with the Festival now just a few days away, we’re hoping that Paul Nicholls’ Modus can get the job done in the Coral Cup, one of the big betting races and handicap hurdle highlights of the Cheltenham Festival.
Modus originally started out his career under rules with Robert Stephens in which he was trained superbly to finish eighth in the 2014 Champion Bumper and then second in the same race a year later behind Moon Racer.
Snapped up by JP McManus after that, he sent the son of Motivator to Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard where in his first season for Britain’s Champion trainer, he disappointed in all honesty, winning a couple of novice hurdles before finishing 13th and 23rd in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival respectively.
This year however, Nicholls’ charge looks a rejuvenated character who started the season off with a second-placed finish to North Hill Harvey in the Greatwood Hurdle at The Open Meeting at Cheltenham in November, before finishing seventh to well-touted Champion Hurdle fancy Brain Power at Ascot over two-miles.
Knocking at the door over two-miles, Modus eventually scored in decisive fashion in a big field handicap by two and three-quarter lengths in the Listed Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton in January. That was Modus’ true running, a fast pace over a longer trip of two-miles and five furlongs suited him down to the ground. That was the most important factor in my opinion, the step up in trip. Nicholls’ charge had been crying out for a step up in distance and he benefitted massively from it, travelling nicely under Barry Geraghty without having to ever really hit top gear.
Raised 11lbs from a mark of 145 to 156 following that victory, I don’t think that will be enough to stop him and with Nicholls suggesting at preview evenings that stable-mate Movewiththetimes will head for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, that makes me have even more belief in Modus winning the Coral Cup. Around a 12/1 shot and only a seven-year-old, he looks to have plenty of improvement to come and with course form also under his belt, he can win this event.
Selection (Scale of 1-5 points)
Modus 4pts E/W 12/1 Coral Cup
