Masony makes seasonal reappearance

Dual Grade One winner Mansony makes his seasonal reappearance in the Ladbrokes.com Fortria Chase at Navan on Sunday.

The nine-year-old's latest win came in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase in December last year, but he ran a number of fine races in defeat last season - notably finishing third in the Kerrygold Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival.

He disappointed when sent to France in May for a Grade One event over hurdles, but his trainer Arthur Moore could not be happier with his current condition.

'Mansony is in very good form at home and we are looking forward to the weekend,' said Moore.

'He didn't run great at Auteuil, but he ran very free.

'The trip wasn't ideal and he just didn't take to the place - but it is one of those things and there was no harm done.

'He'd a very good horse when he gets his ground and it should be fine for him on Sunday. He will be better for the run, but he normally runs well first time out and he is in good nick.

'If all goes to plan, he could go for the John Durkan Memorial Chase next, a race he was second in last year.'

Mansony will face six rivals in Sunday's Grade Two contest, with Watson Lake taking his chance having finished third behind War Of Attrition and Kicking King last time.

Schindlers Hunt was well beaten on his comeback over hurdles at Naas last month but his trainer Dessie Hughes is expecting a better show on Sunday.

'Schindlers Hunt will definitely run and I don't think the soft ground will be any problem for him,' said Hughes.

We have given him a run over hurdles and that should have sharpened him up.

'He is very well and should run a nice race.'

Mister Top Notch, Justified, Slim Pickings, fourth in the Grand National, and Scotsirish complete the field.