Mansony to spoil Magic show

Paul Nicholls is making a

habit of farming the big

races on Saturdays, but

MANSONY (Ascot, nap,

1.45) can loosen his

stranglehold on the jumping

game's big prizes with victory in

the Victor Chandler Chase.

The champion trainer saddles warm

favourite Twist Magic who arrives on

the back of an imperious display in the

Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

However, connections were concerned

about the very soft ground

before that win and, although he won

by three lengths, at today's prices, I'm

content to take him on with Mansony.

The Irish raider was impressive in his

own right at Leopardstown in landing a

Grade One chase over the festive

period and I am convinced that the

switch to a right-hand track will induce

more improvement from him.

Arthur Moore's charge displayed a

tendency to jump to his right last time

and the configuration of today's venue

allied to the very deep ground should

ensure he gives the market leader a race.

John Spearing's stable landed a

clever touch at Catterick yesterday

with McGruders Cross and SIMON

(Haydock, 2.00) looks a decent wager

to land the Peter Marsh Chase.

The nine-year-old, to the fore in most

bookmakers' ante-post lists for the

Grand National in April, boasts an

enviable record on flat tracks with his

form figures reading 1111F in chases in

excess of three miles (excluding seasonal

debuts).

That fall came in last season's Grand

National when he was still in contention

and I fancy him to land this

valuable prize before heading off to

Aintree to try and make amends for his

departure at Valentines second time

round.

BOOMTOWN (Lingfield, nb, 2.25)

would surely have won at the Surrey

venue on Wednesday granted a more

conservative ride.

I felt jockey Greg Fairley was a shade

too aggressive on the improving son of

Fantastic Light who was kicked on a

long way out before understandably

tiring in the shadows of the post. He

can gain compensation this afternoon.

Today's lay is Labelthou (Ascot, 2.55)

who took a crashing fall over fences at

Haydock nearly three weeks ago.