Trainer Jimmy Mangan is unsure whether his stable star Spillane’s
will head to the Cheltenham Festival in a fortnight’s time for a tilt at the Ryanair Chase.
A dual Grade One-winning novice over fences last season, the seven-year-old made an encouraging start to the new campaign when narrowly beaten by fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown, with dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs back in third.
While Galopin Des Champs went on to turn the tables on stablemate Fact To File in both the Savills Chase and the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, Spillane’s
was favourite for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, but could only finish fifth and has not been seen since.
Having been not been entered for the Gold Cup, Spillane’s Tower is a 4-1 shot in Paddy Power’s non-runner no bet market for the Ryanair – but with Fact To File leading the way as the 6-4 favourite, Mangan could head elsewhere with his charge if connections feel that is the right move.
He said: “I don’t know if he’s going to Cheltenham or not yet. I’m gearing him up as though he is going there anyway, but I’ll be waiting for instructions from Frank (Berry, McManus’ racing manager).
“He’s in good form and everything and it all depends probably if Fact To File goes for the Ryanair. If he does I’ll probably go to Liverpool (Aintree), but if Fact To File goes for the Gold Cup I’ll probably head to Cheltenham.
“He’s coming back to himself grand and I’m happy enough to go over to Cheltenham if I’m told to go there. If not I would love Aintree for the Bowl.”