Twist Magic misses seasonal bow due to fast ground
The five-year-old looked top-class in winning the Grade One Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree last spring and was also in the process of running a huge race in the Arkle when he came down two out.
Nicholls had pinpointed the race, registered as the Haldon Gold Cup, as his ideal starting point for the season, but the absence of top weight Voy Por Ustedes also impacted on his decision.
“We decided that with the ground as it is and the withdrawal of Voy Por Ustedes which meant he would be carrying top-weight, we would wait for another day,” Nicholls said.
“He’s in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham (November 18) and a graduation chase at Kempton but I haven’t made my mind up yet as to where he will go next.”
Voy Por Ustedes has also been withdrawn on account of the unseasonably fast ground.
Arkle runner-up Fair Along heads a five-strong field that also includes Hasty Prince, Pablo Du Charmil, Royal Shakespeare and Saintsaire.
While punters may feel slightly disappointed at the small field, one man who is delighted is Fair Along's trainer Philip Hobbs.
The diminutive dual-purpose performer was last seen running on the level in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket, where he finished third behind Leg Spinner.
Fair Along showed he was among the best two-mile novice chasers last term when finishing second at both Cheltenham and Aintree and Hobbs is hoping he can now progress in full company.
“He came out of Newmarket very well and his schooling has been fine at home,” said Hobbs.
“I’m quite pleased to see the small field as we saw last year that seems to suit him better and the ground should be fine for him – we know he can handle it quick.
“What is not in his favour though is that he now has to carry top-weight and he is only a small horse.
“I also have a slight suspicion he is better left-handed.
“Saying that though, he did beat My Way De Solzen at Sandown last year so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
“I was hoping tomorrow would tell me if he needed further than two miles now but as it is such a small field, I doubt that it will now.
“He has an entry in the Paddy Power but that will probably come too quick for him so we will get tomorrow out of the way first before I think about his next race.”
