Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I continue my look ahead at Saturday’s big races. The focus today is on Sandown’s Tingle Creek meeting.
Sandown’s Festive Racing Extravaganza
Sandown’s Tingle Creek meeting is one of the highlights of the pre-Christmas British National Hunt racing calendar. It features two days of quality racing, culminating in the Saturday’s Grade 1 Betfair Tingle Creek Chase.
Key Races at the Meeting:
Day 1 (Friday)
Primarily a day for novices and handicappers.
The Winter Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2): A race for emerging novice hurdlers over 2m 4f. It often identifies future stars in the staying hurdle division.
The Betfair Esher Novices' Chase (Grade 2): A stamina test for staying novice chasers over 3m.
Day 2 (Saturday)
The Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1): Named after the legendary front-running chaser Tingle Creek, this race is a key mid-season target for top 2-mile chasers. Tingle Creek just didn’t like Cheltenham, if the Champion Chase was run at Sandown he would have won it.
Past race winners include legends like Desert Orchid, Moscow Flyer, Sprinter Sacre, Altior. Last year’s winner Jonbon heads this year’s field.
Henry VIII Novices’ Chase (Grade 1): A key race for novice chasers over 2 miles. A key 2-mile race for novices, often pointing toward Cheltenham's Arkle Trophy.
A mix of valuable handicaps, including the Betfair Exchange London National (3:35), complete Saturday’s card.
The Track:
Sandown’s unique layout plays a significant role in the meeting:
Chase Course: The final uphill finish on the stiff track tests a horse’s stamina, while the railway fences (three quick jumps down the back straight) demand precision and speed.
Source: Racing Post
Hurdles Course: Slightly less demanding but still tests stamina, especially on soft or heavy ground.
Source: Racing Post
Atmosphere: Festive Fun
The Tingle Creek meeting is known for its festive feel, often marking the start of the Christmas season for racing fans. The intimate setting of Sandown provides for a close-up experience with top horses and jockeys.
What to Watch For:
The Betfair Tingle Creek Chase often provides clues for the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase (1:50) showcases rising stars in the 2-mile division, offering a glimpse of potential champions.
Betting Considerations
As of Wednesday, the going is good to soft (good in places) on the Chase course and soft (good to soft in places) on the Hurdles course.
Ground conditions are often key at Sandown in December, with soft or heavy ground being common. Horses proven on testing surfaces often hold an edge.
Rainfall predictions vary, with potential totals between 20mm and 28mm by Saturday, though some forecasts suggest less.
Ground changes can significantly impact form, so keep an eye on updates via the BHA website.
With quality racing, testing conditions, and festive fun, Sandown promises two thrilling days of National Hunt action.
ITV Racing: Sandown’s Saturday Pointers
Here's an early guide to Sandown’s five ITV Tingle Creek Day races.
1:15 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier)
Last year’s winner Operation Manna returns, but he carries 5lb more and lacks a recent run. Dubrovnik Harry could be interesting if finding his February form over this C&D, but his trainer, Harry Fry could do with a winner before Saturday.
1:50 – Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
A small but select field features exciting novice chasers L’Eau du Sud and Down Memory Lane & Touch Me Not, the latter pair are trained by Gordon Elliott who is unlikely to run both. Keep an eye on Rubaud, who could make his chase debut for Paul Nicholls, a trainer with a strong record in this race.
2:25 – Betfair Plays Different Handicap Hurdle
Last year’s winner Spirit d’Aunou bids for a repeat off a 4lb higher mark. The unexposed Kabral Du Mathan, unbeaten over hurdles is the sponsors favourite. Watch out for who Nicky Henderson runs out of Go To War and Willmount. The latter seems to be better on a sounder surface so the going will likely be the deciding factor as to which of the Henderson pair runs.
3:00 – Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1)
Reigning champion Jonbon is odds-on to retain his crown. Old rivals Boothill and Edwardstone will try again to beat Jonbon but Irish raider Quilixios looks a more serious threat after an impressive Grade 3 Naas win last month. He impressed jumping wise and has time on his side.
3:35 – Betfair Exchange London National Handicap Chase
Heavy ground would favour Mr Vango, the early market leader. Broken Halo, who fell two out last year, has Harry Cobden booked, while Montgomery, a Venetia Williams-trained heavy-ground specialist, is another to note. Venetia won this in 2022 and Montgomery, could improve for a step up to 3m 4 ½f.
In tomorrow column I’ll look at Sandown’s Friday card.
Good luck with your Thursday bets!
John