Mangan expects Spillane's Tower to run 'a big race' in King George 

'I never thought I'd have a runner in the King George, let alone have a horse going there with a real live chance,' says the Cork-based trainer

SHREWD OPERATOR: Jimmy Mangan is no stranger to big-race success having saddled Monty's Pass to win the Grand National 21 years ago. Picture: Healy Racing

Jimmy Mangan is confident Spillane's Tower "won't be far away" in what looks a mouthwatering renewal of the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.

A quality field of 11 runners are set to go to post for the St Stephen's Day highlight, with dual Grade One-winning novice Spillane's Tower the sponsor's favourite after pushing fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File all the way in an epic John Durkan at Punchestown last month.