The Tingle Creek Chase (Saturday 9 December) is one of the pre-Christmas highlights of the National Hunt Season, attracting some of the best 2-milers from both England and Ireland. It takes place at Sandown over 13 notoriously tricky fences, but that hasn’t stopped the likes of Flagship Uberalles, Moscow Flyer, Kauto Star, Master Minded and Sprinter Sacre winning the race.
Trends
• Winners have been aged 5 to 10, though only one 10-year-old has been successful in its 37-year history
• 9 horses have won the race more than once, 6 this century
• Paul Nicholls has trained 9 of the last 18 winners
• Ruby Walsh has ridden 4 of the last 15 winners
• The shortest-priced winner this century was Sprinter Sacre at 4/11 in 2012
• The longest-priced winner this century was Dodging Bullets at 9/1 in 2014
Altior
Looked a potential superstar over hurdles, and looked even better over fences last season in an unbeaten novice chase campaign that culminated in an impressive 8-length defeat of last year’s Champion Chaser Special Tiara. Not beaten much in his other races though and, though he could simply be the best chaser around over 2-miles, he’ll have much more competition this year – and odds-on quotes look too short at this stage.
Douvan
Could easily be better than Altior, and would have a great chance if he turns up. However, connections are unlikely to be in a rush to pitch him against top opposition as he returns from an injury that he sustained when beaten at odds-on in last season’s Champion Chase.
Fox Norton
Improved throughout last season, and probably wasn’t at his best when beaten by Altior at Newbury. Just touched-off in the Champion Chase after that, but looked really good at Aintree and Punchestown, beating Un De Sceaux at the latter on good ground.
Un Des Sceaux
Last year’s winner probably wouldn’t be able to live with the likes of Altior if the ground came up good, but there’s no way he’ll be a double-figure price if the ground rides soft or heavy. Trainer Willie Mullins has also suggested he will follow a similar path to last year, so you’re likely to get a run for your money.
Politologue
6-year-old trained by Paul Nicholls, who was very impressive in the early part of his novice chase season before finishing the season below expectations. Could yet improve, and his jumping is an asset.
Ar Mad
Looked brilliant when winning two novice chases here two seasons ago, but only fourth in last year’s renewal when returning from injury. Not seen afterwards, which has to be a worry, but trainer Gary Moore has won 2 of the last 4 renewals with Sire Du Grugy.
Summary
Altior could be an absolute world-beater, but he’s already priced-up on that potential rather than rock solid form against class horses. One horse who would be sure to give him a race is Douvan but, with Willie Mullins possibly side-stepping a clash so early in the season, the value could be an each-way bet on last year’s winner Un De Sceaux who looks sure to try and become the seventh horse to win the race more than once this century.
Tip: Un De Sceaux Each-Way @