It’s Tingle Creek (2.25) day at Sandown on Saturday and the Grade 1 contest headlines a seven-race card at the Esher venue.
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Racing Post tipster Graeme Rodway previews Saturday’s action at Sandown for MansionBet.
12.05 Sandown – Andy Stewart – Sandown Park’s Great Friend ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle
A tough event with which to start, but the race in which Outlaw Peter was fourth at Exeter last time was run in a good speed figure and that might prove the strongest form. Outlaw Peter weakened late over 2m51/2f on that stiff track and returned lame. He might be capable of better now he is dropped back to 2m, a trip over which he won a Worcester bumper last month. A big run is expected with a tongue-strap fitted.
Selection: Outlaw Peter
12.40 Sandown – Racing Is Everyone’s Sport Mares’ Handicap Hurdle
I’m pretty sure Emmpressive Lady is the most talented horse in this line up and, if she turns up on top form, she will probably win. The worry is she has been off for 245 days and it’s hard to be sure she will be at her peak first time up. However, she has twice been declared this season, only to be taken out before the race on both occasions, and that suggests she has been ready for a while. She likes this course.
Selection: Emmpressive Lady
1.15 Sandown – Betfair My Odds Boost Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
This is a very difficult race that looks wide open. Triple Trade has been showing promise in novice hurdles and should step up on that now switched to handicaps. Colin Tizzard has been having a fantastic time of things in the last couple of weeks and said in a recent stable tour that this five-year-old will be winning when he gets into handicaps. This is a big chance.
Selection: Triple Trade
1.50 Sandown – Close Brothers Henry VIII Novices’ Chase
Third Time Lucki will be a warm order, but I haven’t been as impressed by him as some this season and thought he paddled up the hill at Cheltenham last time. Take him on with War Lord, who also faltered up Carlisle’s hill last time, but I don’t think he was tired. He simply appeared to be idling and when Minella Trump got to him he found enough to repel the challenger. There should be more to come from War Lord.
Selection: War Lord
2.25 Sandown – Betfair Tingle Creek Chase
Chacun Pour Soi would probably prefer softer ground than he is going to encounter here and Nube Negra appears at his best when fresh. With that in mind it might be worth opposing both market leaders with Greaneteen, who was impressive when winning over course and distance last April and will come on “tons” for his reappearance run in the Haldon Gold Cup, according to trainer Paul Nicholls. Good ground suits Greaneteen and he is the nap of the day.
Selection: Greaneteen
3.00 Sandown – Betfair Exchange London National Handicap Chase
Deise Aba loves it at Sandown and any rain would bring him into it, but maybe the best option is Strictlyadancer, who is on a roll going for four wins on the bounce and might be too progressive for these rivals. The majority of the opposition are older than Strictlyadancer and they don’t hold any secrets from the handicapper. This may be another for favourite backers.
Selection: Strictlyadancer
3.35 Sandown – Betfair Daily Rewards December Handicap Hurdle
Benson won this race last year off an 8lb lower mark but is still well treated on his best form and should be well suited by the return to good ground. He won on heavy 12 months ago but seems ideally suited by better conditions and this race will probably have been the target for quite a while. Richard Newland has his string in fantastic form and Benson looks a solid bet.
Selection: Benson
*All odds correct at time of writing