Altior odds-on for Tingle Creek as eight left in contention for Sandown thriller

Star chaser Altior remains on course for Saturday's Betfair Tingle Creek (2.25) at Sandown following Monday's confirmation stage.

Beaten just once in 16 starts over fences, the four-time Cheltenham Festival hero won the Tingle Creek in 2018, but has been off since Newbury's Game Spirit in February.

His rivals are set to include 2017 Tingle Creek winner Politologue, who won the Champion Chase on his last appearance.

Tingle Creek card and betting

Paul Nicholls, who trains the striking grey, will also run improving Haldon Gold Cup winner Greaneteen, while Brewin'upastorm, Castlegrace Paddy, Esprit Du Large, First Flow and Rouge Vif are also involved.

"The more it rains before now and Saturday the more it'll help both of them – the forecast for Thursday and Friday is very encouraging," Nicholls said on Monday in advance of the Tingle Creek, which he has won ten times.

Politologue: 2017 Tingle Creek winner was left in contention for this year's runningCredit: Edward Whitaker

Last year's Tingle Creek winner Defi Du Seuil was not left in at the confirmation stage, with his trainer Philip Hobbs indicating over the weekend he was a doubt following a disappointing return in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham.

Altior is the 4-5 favourite with the sponsors for the Tingle Creek, with Greaneteen next best at 4-1 and Politologue 5-1.

Betfair spokesman Barry Orr said: "Altior is now odds-on at 4-5 from 6-5 as he bids to add to his 2018 victory in the race.

"Paul Nicholls is looking for an astonishing eleventh win in this race and his Haldon Gold Cup winner, Greaneteen, who has been very popular having been backed at an ante-post high of 20-1, is now clear second favourite at 4-1, with his stable companion and 2017 winner, Politologue, just a point bigger at 5-1. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic renewal of the race’."

Ladbrokes are also offering 4-5 about the Nicky Henderson-trained star, and spokesman Jon Lees, said: "It’s been a long wait to see Altior run again after his late withdrawal from the Champion Chase in March. Soon to turn 11, there are questions as to whether he can still be at the top of his game but it’s worth remembering he remains unbeaten at two miles over jumps.”

Aintree also races on Saturday and Might Bite is engaged in the William Hill Grand Sefton (3.15), which takes place over the Grand National fences.

They will also be in use for the William Hill Becher Chase (1.30), which Kimberlite Candy – a leading fancy for the big one last term before Covid-19 led to the famous event's cancellation – could take part in.

The sponsors make Walk In The Mill their 5-1 favourite in front of Kimberlite Candy and Le Breuil at 11-2.

Betfair Tingle Creek betting

Betfair Sportsbook: 4-5 Altior, 4 Greaneteen, 5 Politologue, 7 Rouge Vif, 14 First Flow, 16 Brewin'upastorm, 25 Castlegrace Paddy, 33 Esprit Du Large

Read more:

Defi Du Seuil defies Un De Sceaux in Tingle Creek thriller

Tingle Creek tickets sell out in 17 minutes as Sandown prepares for spectators

Last year was a disaster for Altior but he's in great form now says Henderson

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