Module fits the bill in Cheltenham closer
That’s understandable, given that the horse came from France with a big reputation and duly obliged on his British debut. He also has the benefit of a hefty four-year-olds’ allowance.
However, he was beaten on his second outing for Paul Nicholls and the evidence of both races suggests he is still very free-going and inexperienced. He may well justify favouritism this afternoon, but he’s quite short in the betting and there should be better value elsewhere.
The one that catches the eye is another ex-French performer who is making his British debut.
Module is the horse in question and, while he hasn’t yet run in these isles, he’s actually having his third run for Tom George.
He was an easy winner of a hurdle at Enghien on his only run for Laurent Viel and, but for costly mistakes in his next two outings (for George), he may well have supplemented that success.
He’s only ever run on testing going but there’s the possibility that good to soft ground will bring about improvement (limited evidence of Panoramic’s progeny suggest so).
George again showed what he can do with French imports when his Baby Mix jumped right to the head of the Triumph Hurdle market after an impressive British debut back in November and any money for this horse would be significant.
Module also travelled well in his races in France, and that opens up the possibility of a trade on the exchanges.
It’s very hard to gauge how good or otherwise he may be but, in a race in which there are question marks about a number of the runners, he is certainly very interesting.
The promising Dare Me hasn’t run in more than a year and it can’t be certain what form he’s in, while Sivola Di Sivola is dropping back to two miles and a furlong, having won over à mile further last time out.
Yes, backing Module is a bit of a punt and he must improve to win today, but the promise is certainly there and, at 12-1, he’s worth an each-way beat.
