Ollie to try to atone at Wetherby

Ollie Magern will try to atone for an early mishap at Cheltenham last week in the Totty Construction Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby tomorrow. The seven-year-old unshipped Carl Llewellyn at the fourth fence in the Pillar Property Chase but he makes a quick return for Nigel Twiston-Davies in the three-mile-one-furlong contest.

Ollie Magern is also declared for the Grade One totesport Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown which is just over half a mile shorter but Twiston-Davies has confirmed the gelding will run at the Yorkshire track.

He explained: "His first choice is Wetherby. It's a bit further for him and it's probably an easier race. We declared him at Sandown just in case as there is a bit of frost forecast as far as I can see from the weather forecast and the north might get it while the south doesn't."

Twiston-Davies reports the gelding to be in fine heart after his slip at Cheltenham, adding: "He's absolutely fine. There's been no problems with him."

Ollie Magern is the 4-1 favourite with Ladbrokes for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after winning the Grade One Feltham Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. Although he also holds an entry in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, Twiston-Davies expects Ollie Magern to contest the novices' event.

He said: "I would have thought this would be his last run before he goes for the SunAlliance. Ollie Magern will face just five rivals at Wetherby tomorrow and looks set to go off a short-priced favourite."

Sue Smith won the race last year with Royal Emperor and she will try again with St Matthew and Undeniable this time round. Lucinda Russell relies on three-time winner Vandas Choice, while Mark Bradstock's recent Newbury winner King Harald and Kidithou complete the field.