FADALKO CRUISES HOME IN AINTREE MUD Fadalko gave jockey Ruby Walsh a boost on the eve of the Martell Grand National with a clear-cut success in the day`s feature race, the stg#120,000 Martell Melling Chase at Aintree. Walsh, who will attempt to win the National for a second successive year aboard Papillon tomorrow, settled his mount behind leader Satchmo in second place, avoiding the trouble caused when favourite Tiutchev fell at the first fence, hampering Direct Route. Satchmo continued in front until the turn for home but the Paul Nicholls-trained winner was travelling far the better and soon slipped into a clear lead. Flagship Uberalles, despite some poor jumping and Direct Route, winner of the Grade One race for the past two years, briefly threatened to throw down a challenge. But their hopes soon fizzled out and the 9-2 winner galloped home strongly to beat Lady Cricket by 16 lengths, with Direct Route another 13 lengths away in third. The victory was no surprise to the winning trainer.'He`sa really talented horse when he`s right,' said Nicholls. 'He`s best when fresh and he`s a real spring horse and I really fancied him for the Champion Chase. 'He doesn`t need to run again this season and his two main targets next year will be the Champion Chase and back here again.' Direct Route`s trainer Howard Johnson blamed the heavy ground for his runner`s defeat. 'If it had been his ground he would have trotted up,' Johnson said. 'Norman (Williamson) said that he had never felt him going better, he was going even better than when he won the race two years ago. 'He won`t be retiring yet.'
