Jimmy Mangan plotting big-race raids at Aintree and Punchestown for star chaser Spillane's Tower

Jimmy Mangan is aiming for a strong end-of-season assault with his stable star Spillane's Tower with the Aintree Bowl first on the agenda next Thursday before an appearance at Punchestown.

"He's entered in the Bowl and we'll make our minds up at the weekend but it's the plan at the moment," he said. 

"He's been in great form lately. He's won at the likes of Fairyhouse and Punchestown and he loves a big galloping track like Punchestown, but I'd have no reason to doubt that he'd act around Liverpool."

The JP McManus-owned seven-year-old emerged as one of the stories of last season, landing Grade 1 honours in the WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse, 16 years after Conna Castle gave the Grand National-winning trainer his first top-level success.

He followed up again in Grade 1 company at Punchestown, beating Monty's Star by three-quarters of a length, to cap off a hugely successful novice campaign. His first start in open company came in a red-hot John Durkan Chase in November when he forced subsequent Ryanair winner Fact To File to battle in a barnstorming finish in which Willie Mullins' chaser came out half a length to the good.

Jimmy Mangan (left): "I'm glad we didn't go to Cheltenham"Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He went off 11-4 favourite for the King George at Kempton after that display but didn't show his best on the track, eventually finishing fifth under Mark Walsh, 17 lengths behind winner Banbridge.

Spillane's Tower was considered a leading player for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival but connections opted to miss that race with Fact To File taking up the mantle for owner McManus, and he ran out one of the most impressive winners of the week with a nine-length demolition job under Mark Walsh for Willie Mullins.

With the benefit of hindsight, Mangan was pleased he didn't travel to the Cotswolds, given how impressive the winner was and the fact the ground was plenty lively for his Walk In The Park gelding.

"Aintree and Punchestown is the plan after we missed Cheltenham. I'm glad we didn't go to Cheltenham as he would have been running against Fact To File, who put up a very good performance, and the ground was tight enough for our horse."

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