IT was on this weekend in 2024 that Spillane’s Tower announced his top-level potential with a win in the Grade 3 Sky Bet Super Sub Novice Chase (12.50), and Jimmy Mangan is following a very similar pathway with his runner in tomorrow’s renewal at Punchestown.

Pure Steel, also owned by J.P. McManus, produced a silky performance to win a rated novice chase at this track last month and the Co Cork handler is looking forward to the six-year-old stepping up in class in a competitive edition of the race registered as the Killiney Novice this weekend.

Spillane’s Tower won both of those Punchestown contests on his way to a Grade 1 double at the Fairyhouse Easter and Punchestown Festivals two years ago, and Mangan is happy to be returning to a course that plays to his runner’s strengths.

He takes on four other last-time-out chase winners, including the Willie Mullins pair of Predators Gold (Paul Townend) and Kappa Jy Pyke (Danny Mullins).

Gordon Elliott completes the line-up with recent Fairyhouse scorers Jacob’s Ladder (Jack Kennedy) and The Enabler (Sam Ewing).

“Pure Steel likes the track anyway,” the Grand National-winning trainer told The Irish Field.

“This is obviously a good race and we’re taking a step up in grade, but we’re looking forward to running him and seeing how he gets on.

“I think we’re learning about him and he always had the chance of being a nice chaser. We’re looking forward to Sunday with him.”

Tower latest

There were some signs of encouragement to be taken from Spillane’s Tower’s third over hurdles behind El Fabiolo at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve. A tilt at the Goffs Thyestes Chase had been mentioned as a possibility by Mangan, but it now appears the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (for which he is a 16/1 shot with the sponsors) is his priority, having not been entered for Gowran.

“He’s definitely on the way back,” said Mangan. “He’s come out of his run at Punchestown well and we’re very happy with him. I’d imagine it’ll be the Dublin Racing Festival for him next, for the Irish Gold Cup.”