JP McManus horses to follow over Christmas: 'thrives on testing ground' The Christmas racing bonanza is closing in and top owner JP McManus looks likely to have a strong team of contenders for major prizes across Britain and Ireland. McManus has never won Kempton's major Boxing Day prize but Fact To File could change all that in the King George VI Chase. Here's some McManus-owned contenders we could see over the festive period. Fact To File Willie Mullins' hopes of a third King George win appear to be incredibly strong as both Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior are on track to run on December 26th. The latter earned a slender verdict in last month's John Durkan at Punchestown after a bold effort from the front. Last season's sensational Ryanair Chase winner, Fact To File has been trending in the King George market in recent days, shortening from as big as 10/1 into joint-favouritism with some firms. Frank Berry, racing manager to owner McManus, has now confirmed that Fact To File is likely to take his chance at Kempton, rather than contest the Savills Chase at Leopardstown two days later. The King George is one of the few major races the legendary owner has never landed. Spillane's Tower was a beaten favourite in the green and gold hoops last season and Fact To File looks a major player if he turns up. Aworkinprogress Another of the major Christmas prizes is the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 27th and trainer Nick Gifford is set to send the McManus-owned Aworkinprogress to the Monmouthshire venue. The Soldier Of Fortune gelding thrives on testing ground and won his first five starts over fences, including a 3m2f slog around Uttoxeter in November. He showed some signs of temperament in a Welsh National Trial at Chepstow at the start of this month, disappointing as favourite, but connections will be hoping he can rebound for the big race. Inothewayurthinkin McManus' Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Inothewayurthinkin looks like heading for the Savills Chase at Leopardstown next. The Gavin Cromwell-trained seven-year-old was never competitive in the John Durkan at Punchestown on his comeback but more will be anticipated as he steps back up in trip. "He's very much on track for Christmas," the trainer said. "He will come on from the run, and he should be happy to be stepping back up in trip again." Inothewayurthinkin was some 15 lengths and change behind Galopin Des Champs when fifth in the Savills Chase last year, but he overturned that to win in the Cotswolds in March. His trainer expects a closer contest now. "His jumping has improved a lot from last season, so we'd be hoping he could go a lot closer in this race than he did last year." Love Me Tender Also at Leopardstown we could see Love Me Tender in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Future Champions Novice Hurdle on day two of their Christmas Meeting, December 27th. He is another trained by Willie Mullins and the French-bred has won all three starts so far. He landed a Tramore bumper in March before hurdles wins at Kilbeggan in July and then a Grade 3 at Tipperary in October. The Doctor Dino gelding hasn't been seriously tested in his jumping career to date but connections are eyeing the next step up the ladder.
