Confirmed runners and riders for the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown

Defi Du Seuil takes on two former Tingle Creek winners in Politologue and Un De Sceaux in Saturday’s eight-runner renewal at Sandown (3.00).

Barry Geraghty’s mount, a general 13-8 favourite, won twice at the top level as a novice chaser last year, landing the 888Sport Scilly Isles Chase at the Esher track and JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and returned to action with victory over Politologue in the Shloer Chase last month.

Philip Hobbs will be bidding for a second Tingle Creek triumph, 18 years on from striking with Flagship Uberalles, while Geraghty has been successful three times – twice on Moscow Flyer in 2003 and 2004 and aboard Sprinter Sacre in 2012.

The Harry Cobden-ridden Politologue, a 5-1 shot with bet365 and Betfred, defeated Fox Norton in this Betfair-sponsored event two years ago and has his second run after a wind operation following his recent reappearance.

John Hales: Politologue has great chance of reversing Defi form

Paul Nicholls is the most successful trainer in the history of the race with ten victories, including with Kauto Star, Twist Magic and Master Minded, and also runs the Harry Skelton-ridden Dolos.

The 2016 winner Un De Sceaux, second favourite priced at 4-1, comes out on top on official ratings and bids to go one better after finishing second to Altior last year.

The popular 11-year-old is ridden by Paul Townend, while Brian Hughes is aboard Waiting Patiently, another to make his return to action in the race shown on ITV4 and RTV.

Edward O'Connell: Un De Sceaux has been so special to us

Owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede have two hopes in last year’s Champion Chase third Sceau Royal, ridden by Daryl Jacob, and the progressive Haldon Gold Cup scorer Janika, who is partnered by James Bowen.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Ornua, a top-level winner in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April, is ridden by Aidan Coleman.

The going at Sandown is soft on the hurdles course and good to soft, soft in places on the chase course with up to 5mm of rain forecast on Friday.

Mulcahys Hill (near): leading Becher Chase contenderCredit: Edward Whitaker

Market principals Mulcahys Hill, Vieux Lion Rouge, Vintage Clouds and last year’s winner Walk In The Mill are among 18 declarations for the Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase (1.30) at Aintree on Saturday.

It is soft, good to soft in places on the National course, good to soft, good in places on the chase course and good to soft on the hurdles track.

Tingle Creek confirmed field

1 Defi Du Seuil Barry Geraghty/Philip Hobbs
2 Dolos Harry Skelton/Paul Nicholls
3 Janika James Bowen/Nicky Henderson
4 Ornua Aidan Coleman/Henry de Bromhead
5 Politologue Harry Cobden/Paul Nicholls
6 Sceau Royal Daryl Jacob/Alan King
7 Un De Sceaux Paul Townend/Willie Mullins
8 Waiting Patiently Brian Hughes/Ruth Jefferson

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