Twist in Magic form

Twist Magic is reported to be in great form ahead of a Cheltenham Festival clash with Master Minded in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Trainer Paul Nicholls saddles both leading Champion Chase contenders, with dual champion chaser Master Minded favourite to land the spoils a week on Wednesday.

However, part-owner Barry Fulton says he was thrilled with a recently schooling session under jockey Robert Thornton.

Nicholls' eight-year-old is enjoying arguably his best ever campaign having won the Tingle Creek at Sandown and Ascot's Victor Chandler Chase.

With regular pilot Ruby Walsh unsurprisingly opting to ride stablemate Master Minded, Thornton will get the leg up at Cheltenham and the pair performed well.

School

"He just had a school round on his own under 'Choc' (Thornton) and everything went very well," said Fulton.

"I have to say he is looking very well at the moment which is great as he has been a little dull in his coat in previous years. I am beginning to feel the nerves a little but it's very exciting and we're really looking forward to Cheltenham.

"He's just seemed a different horse so far this year and I'm not too concerned about the 'Cheltenham factor' to be honest. I think he would have gone very close to winning an Arkle if he hadn't fallen but it is all about jumping and I suppose he's got to prove he gets up that hill.

"I really can't complain about this season as he has already won two Grade Ones and who knows, maybe he'll make it a third next week."

Fulton acknowledges Twist Magic has plenty on his plate up against dual champion chaser Master Minded but is looking forward to the big clash.

"I had a quick word with Master Minded this morning but he wasn't saying much," quipped Fulton.

"We all know he's the one to beat and I believe he's in good form, so we'll just have to see what happens on the day.

"We'll have a fantastic day out no matter what."