Twist Magic conjures up fresh glory for jubilant Nicholls

Published on Sunday 6 December 2009 23:27

PAUL Nicholls continued his dominance of the big races in general and Tingle Creek in particular as Twist Magic proved the star turn at Sandown on Saturday.

The champion trainer was recording his fifth consecutive success in the Keith Prowse Hospitality-sponsored Grade One event, and his third big weekend win on the bounce following Kauto Star and Denman.

Ladbrokes were so taken with Twist Magic's second win in the race that they make him just 5-1 to upset his stablemate Master Minded at Cheltenham.

Ruby Walsh's mount was quickly into an easy rhythm and made all to thwart the challenge of Forpadydeplasterer, with Well Chief third and 15-8 favourite Big Zeb a distant fourth of five.

Nicholls said of the 9-4 winner: "Tactically that was brilliant. Ruby didn't get the credit he deserved for Denman last week and we spent more time than ever this week talking about tactics and that was spot on.

"We'll have a think now where we go. He's in at Leopardstown over Christmas but I almost wouldn't mind going to the Champion Chase with him a fresh horse. If Master Minded didn't get there then we have got a great first reserve and you would have to say on today's performance that there isn't a lot between them."

Tom Cooper had expressed reservations about the ground for Forpadydeplasterer but was delighted with his seven-year-old's effort. "He was the only horse to keep tabs on Twist Magic on ground he hated," he said. "He is pure heart and we are still on track for the Champion Chase."

At Kelso yesterday, Knockara Beau justified prohibitive odds of 1-8 in the John Smith's Paris Pike Novices' Chase.

Facing only three rivals in the 20,000 event, Jan Faltejsek opted to make the running and, after jumping with aplomb, he came home 18 lengths clear of Calin Royal, who had finished third at Wetherby only 24 hours earlier.

Money Trix set himself up for a possible Lexus Chase tilt at Leopardstown with victory in the Eric Scarth Memorial Champion Chase. Nicky Richards' nine-year-old has won seven of his 11 races, but put in a couple of sketchy leaps under Brian Harding.

L'Aventure secured her first victory since scoring in the Welsh National of 2005 by staying-on strongest of all in the John Smith's Borders National.

Top billing on the six-race card at Musselburgh today goes to the 10,000 totepool Handicap Hurdle. Jim Goldie's experienced campaigner Regent's Secret reverts to hurdles and looks well weighted to regain the winning touch.

The meeting also features an appearance in the opening race for the much-loved Snowy, trained at nearby Rosewell by Peter Monteith.