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| She Sells Sanctuaire - Can the Nicholls bandwagon derail Sprinter Sacre in the Tingle Creek? |
We’ve already seen high class renewals of the Paddy Power Gold Cup, the Betfair Chase and the Hennessy and this weekend allows the 2 mile chasers to strut their stuff in the Tingle Creek at Sandown.
The race doesn’t appeal as much of a betting proposition with the immensely talented Sprinter Sacre a long time, short-priced ante-post favourite for the race, but it does look a race to savour as Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten-over-fences superstar takes on another horse unbeaten over the larger obstacles in Paul Nicholls’ Sanctuaire in what effectively looks a match.
Sanctuaire put up a couple of scintillating performances last season making all to run away with latterly the G2 Celebration Chase at Sandown beating Victor Chandler Chase winner Somersby by 17 lengths.
As good as Somersby is, Sanctuaire has never faced anything like the monster that is Sprinter Sacre but if allowed to go on from the front as he has been before, if his jumping were to hold up round a track notorious for being the ultimate jumping test, he could be the first horse to really trouble Sprinter Sacre over fences; although it looks unlikely with Sprinter Sacre having looked out of this world in his chase career to date.
Nicky Henderson and team will no doubt also be wise to Sanctuaire’s free-wheeling ways now and Sprinter Sacre looks to be something very special indeed, but as a punter and given the great record Team Ditcheat have in the Tingle Creek and the roll Nicholls and Walsh are on at the moment you’d have to say Sanctuaire (5/2) is the bet to have if you’re having one, albeit a speculative one in the hope that Sprinter Sacre – who can be a bit of a wild ride – makes an error or just can’t peg back the strong-staying Nicholls inmate, as unlikely as that may seem on paper.
Bet or no bet it should be a fantastic race and the spectacle that Sandown’s railway fences create is always a feast for the eyes. Also on Sandown’s card on Saturday my favourite horse in training Overturn looks set to make his second start over fences in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase and the way he jumped on his chasing debut he could be a real treat to see if performing to that level round Sandown – he may have a stiff test though as Nicky Henderson’s Captain Conan, also up there in the betting for this season’s Arkle could line-up in opposition.
With the Tingle Creek not looking like much of a betting heat, many punters will no doubt be looking to Aintree and the first appearance this season of the National fences in the Becher Chase for a big punt on Saturday.
A strong trial for the big race itself, the Becher which has been promoted to Saturday in recent years, is always a great race and this year’s renewal looks no different.
Last year’s winner West End Rocker is back for more and with him likely to get his beloved soft ground the glut of money for him this week has been no surprise.
Alan King’s horse – who only made it to the second fence in last year’s National - won’t have it all his own way though and will need to be considerably better than his distant third on his reappearance if he’s to get the better of the likes of Ballabriggs.
Former National winner Ballabriggs could be a player if he were to line-up in the Becher as intended, even under top weight – we know he stays and we know he jumps the fences, which for me round Aintree are the main two requirements you need, however like with West End Rocker there is a suspicion they’ve had their moment of glory and are on the decline now setting the scene for a new potential star to emerge.
There’s been sustained support for Paul Nicholls’ Join Together this week as well, who looks like he wants a lot further than this trip to me although a stamina-sapping race in a bog could play to his strengths.
The evergreen Hello Bud – another former winner – should go well again as well, although at fourteen he’s surely only a place player at best these days.
It’s an open looking race but I’d give a chance to last weekend’s Hennessy faller Saint Are (16/1). He was well enough supported for the prestigious handicap and having only made it as far as the fifth he didn’t have too hard of a race.
Saint Are is somewhat of an Aintree specialist as well having run there three times with a record of 1-2-1, if he takes to the big fences he could be a big contender and Tim Vaughan must be happy with where he is given they’re potentially bringing him out again quickly after his Hennessy tumble.
The Aintree card also features the Grand Sefton, also over the National fences, which is usually a frantic affair over just over 2 ½ miles, there are some decent horses entered there and it should be a fitting end to a strong card.
Across the Irish Sea on Sunday is the eagerly anticipated clash between major Gold Cup contenders Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs.
The former is currently shading odds-on and is probably a worthy favourite, given he should be in peak shape after his impressive seasonal debut, however the latter is still unbeaten and at 7/4 you’d have to say looks a good price considering how well he ran in the Jewson.
I’m a huge Flemenstar fan and expect a great duel, and as I said I think the bookies have it right with him as favourite, but Sir Des Champs is no slouch and could be value in what should be an epic showdown.
Recommendations:
Tingle Creek – Sanctuaire 5/2 (Paddy Power and others)
Becher Chase – Saint Are 16/1 (Boylesports and others)
John Durkan Memorial Chase – Sir Des Champs 7/4 (Bet365 and others)
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