article: The omens are looking good. After taking the big race on the opening day of the Grand National festival, AP McCoy repeated the trick on Don Cossack to the delight of a huge Ladies’ day crowd. McCoy, who will ride hot favourite Shutthefrontdoor in the Crabbie’s Grand National on Saturday, struck on day one in the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle with Jezki. If the trend continues, McCoy will be celebrating another victory in the biggest race of all. And if he wanted a further sign that the cards are falling in his favour, the last time he won the Melling Chase – on Alberta’s Run in 2010 – he followed up the next day in the Grand National on Don’t Push It. AP McCoy celebrates after winning the Melling Chase race at Aintree on Friday . McCoy rode Don Cossack to victory as he prepares for his final Grand National on Saturday . There may have been some fortune attached to Jezki’s victory as favourite Arctic Fire fell at the last flight when poised to challenge. Here, though, there was no luck involved. Don Cossack was mighty impressive in running away with The Grade One Betfred Melling Chase, prompting his trainer Gordon Elliot to talk of a challenge for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next year. This was one of the more straightforward successes in McCoy’s career, as once he took up the running three fences from home the result was never in doubt. Don Cossack ridden by McCoy (second left) leads the field on the way to victory at Aintree . McCoy jumps the final fence on Don Cossack as he rides to victory in the Melling Steeple Chase . In the end, there was a yawning 26-lengths back to second placed Cue Card, with John’s Spirit back in third. Elliott, who won the Grand National in 2007 with Silver Birch, said: ‘The horse is the apple of my eye. I was delighted to see him sent on when he was, as we know that he stays. It is nice having a winner for AP, as well. He is a genius. He has ridden a good few winners for me over the years.’ This has been a memorable meeting for Elliott, who saddled a first day double with Clarcam and Tagliatelle. He saddles Cause of Causes in the big one and hopes are high of a bold show. ‘When I won the National last time, I didn’t really appreciate it, ’said Elliott. ‘We are looking forward to tomorrow (Saturday).’
highlights: AP McCoy wins second feature race at Grand National festival .
  Rides Don Cossack to victory in Melling Chase on Friday .
  Set to ride favourite Shutthefrontdoor at Aintree on Saturday .
prediction: The 
   day of the 
   AP 
   a 
   will 
   the 
   in 
   with Jezki 
   he won 
   the Melling Chase race at Aintree on Friday . McCoy rode Don Cossack to victory 
   for his final Grand National on Saturday . 
   Gordon Elliot to 
   Elliott 
   National in 
  