Mann Poised For Ascot Air Strike

Air Force One and Joe Lively are due to clash in the John Smith's Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot on February 16.

With doubts surrounding the participation of Tidal Bay who could run in the Arkle instead, the pair head the ante-post betting the Royal & SunAlliance Chase.

Air Force One chased home Wichita Lineman at the Festival last year and has won two from three over fences so far, and trainer Charlie Mann always had hopes he would develop in to a top-class horse.

'He's a very good horse. I bought him in Germany two years ago with the Triumph Hurdle in mind, but he got a splint and we had to put him away,' said Mann.

'It probably didn't do him any harm because he is a big horse and I have always thought the world of him.

'We have taken our time with him and I hope we will reap the benefit with him.

'Hopefully he will go to Ascot next time out and take on Joe Lively so we will know a bit more after that.

'But he needs to step up in grade now because he has only won a small race at Folkestone and a bit better race last time.

'He deals with good ground. He does handle soft ground but I wouldn't run him on fast ground, which we shouldn't get at Cheltenham anyway.

'He is on target for the SunAlliance and I couldn't be more pleased with him,' he told At The Races.

(C) PA Sport