The great Tingle Creek used to eat steeplechase fences for fun - ish. The race that commemorates his brilliance, especially around his beloved Sandown, is without fail a glorious pre-Xmas highlight.
Take a look at the race's roll of honour. Past winners include, in no particular order; Desert Orchid, Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre, Kauto Star, Master Minded - and a wagonload of similarly, incredibly-gifted chasers.
Bet on Horce Racing with Betfred here
Saturday's renewal is a small, select but potentially fabulous affair. Shishkin (pictured above) is a 176-rated superstar who sensationally pulled-up when last seen at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He's another Rolls-Royce in the care of the superb Nicky Henderson.
He's a Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Arkle Chase winner, but that tilt at the 'Champion' earlier this year, when 5/6 fav, didn't go well. The testing ground was cited, but perhaps the previous injury lay-off was a far greater factor. The ground is likely to be good or thereabouts in Esher at the weekend. Slow side of good was the news from the course clerk on Thursday.
Brilliant? Undoubtedly. Top drawer. Never jumped around Sandown though, with those tricky railway fences coming hard and fast.
Another major player is Greaneteen, last year's hero here under Bryony Frost. Saw him win at Exeter on reappearance, and he looked better than ever. Has a race-fitness and course-and-distance edge on his main rival in the market, which could be vital.
Edwardstone is some way off these two in the betting, but shouldn't be underestimated. Last season's Arkle winner is another who's impressively won at the track - last year's Henry VIII Novices' Chase.
All three are 8 years old, and will turn 9 of course on January 1st, the 'official' birthday for thoroughbreds. They should all be very firmly at the peak of their powers.
Three others are entered, and round off our super six in the Tingle Creek - Gentleman Du Mee (Willie Mullins trained, JP McManus owned); Funambule Sivola (for the in-form Venetia Williams); and Dunvegan (has it to do on the book and is priced accordingly).
With Shishkin under a slight cloud on his return to action (he'll probably go and win by half the track!), I'm happy to recommend a little tickle on Greaneteen. Good winner of this last season, and a powerful, game and determined effort at Exeter last time for his seasonal opener. Tough and talented - a cracking combo around a true Grade One test like Sandown.
Officially rated 5lbs inferior to the Henderson star, nevertheless I believe he can defend his title on Saturday afternoon in what should be yet another spine-tingling Tingle Creek - just as the old boy would have loved.
Selection - Greaneteen to win, Sandown 2.55, Saturday.
Horse Racing odds
No comments:
Post a Comment