All you need to know as mighty Altior faces star trio in Tingle Creek

3.00 Sandown
Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Altior out to make it a fantastic 15

You don’t need a big field to produce a great race. The Fighting Fifth provided the latest example of that, and Nicky Henderson, who trained the winner at Newcastle, Buveur D’Air, is looking forward to another great spectacle as he unleashes the mighty Altior against three high-class rivals in what could be described as a mini Champion Chase.

Unbeaten in nine starts over fences, the eight-year-old destroyed Min by seven lengths in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March, and signed off with another impressive victory in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase over Saturday’s course and distance.

“He’s been great,” the champion trainer said. “I’m very, very happy with him. We all want to see him out. As the Fighting Fifth proved you don’t need quantity to make a great race; that was an absolute cracker.

“Seeing four proper two-milers going flat out round Sandown promises to be a great spectacle. I’m looking forward to it.”

Despite the quality of the field, Altior seems sure to start odds-on favourite, such is his level of form and ability.

He is chasing a 15th consecutive success. In fact, the only two times he has been beaten during his 17-race career came in bumpers during the early days.

The son of High Chaparral is a very special talent indeed, and certain to help draw a big crowd to Sandown.

Pros We’re lucky to be witnessing such greatness so soon after the unforgettable moments Sprinter Sacre gave us all. He’s a proper champion; the dominant force in the two-mile division.

Cons Hard to find a negative, although perhaps he wouldn’t want the ground ultra-testing on his first start of the season.

Saint Calvados beat Footpad on his most recent startCredit: Patrick McCann

'I couldn’t be happier with Saint Calvados'

It is testament to the sheer quality on display that Saint Calvados, who holds an official BHA rating of 158, could start the outsider of the quartet.

The five-year-old made giant strides under Harry Whittington’s tutelage last season, winning three of his four starts, including a Warwick Grade 2 in which he routed Diego Du Charmil by 22 lengths.

He reappeared at Naas last month and duly made all in a Grade 3 to leave the impression he has made further progress for a summer break.

“There may be only four runners, but it’s an unbelievable renewal,” Whittington said. “It’s a high-class race, and we’re pinching ourselves that we’re even in the contest. Hopefully we can be competitive.”

Whittington is encouraged by the shape his horse is in for the Tingle Creek. “I couldn’t be happier with him,” he said. “Conditions should suit him very well. He’s a young, progressive horse. It’s a dream to be mixing it up with the big boys.”

Pros Appears to be progressing at a rapid rate and has developed into a thoroughly likeable chaser who deserves his place in this field.

Cons Still has plenty to find with Altior and Un De Sceaux in terms of ratings.

Sceau Royal (left) faces his biggest test yet over fencesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Sceau Royal bids to build on Shloer

A smooth success on his seasonal reappearance in Cheltenham’s Grade 2 Shloer Chase last month appears to have set up Sceau Royal for what promises to be another highly rewarding campaign.

The six-year-old jumped really well that day, and showed his class by forging away from Simply Ned near the finish.

Trainer Alan King said: “The Tingle Creek promises to be a corker and, besides Altior, you cannot underestimate the quality of Saint Calvados.

“Sceau Royal is in good order and, after working well last Saturday, we schooled him with Daryl Jacob aboard on Monday, so everything is set fair.

“Our fellow likes Sandown, as we saw in the Henry VIII on this day last year, and he was very good in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham last time which was his first race since last January.

“The plan will be to tuck in behind Altior and follow him around. The favourite can hit a flat spot before he powers up the hill, so we’ll see what happens.

“Sceau Royal is a very slick jumper and has plenty of speed, and the Tingle Creek always looked the next logical step, so we’ll give it our best shot.”

Pros Looked in terrific shape when winning at Cheltenham last month, and it’s highly likely his best days are still in front of him.

Cons On official ratings he has 16lb to find with Altior and 9lb with Un De Sceaux.

Un De Sceaux won the Tingle Creek in 2016Credit: Getty Images

Ruby hoping for dream return on Un De Sceaux

A model of consistency with nine Grade 1 wins, including this event in 2016, on his CV, the Willie Mullins-trained ten-year-old will be making his first appearance since landing the BoyleSports Champion Chase, under Patrick Mullins, at the Punchestown festival in April.

Ruby Walsh is back on board Un De Sceaux for the first time since the 2017 Punchestown festival and Ireland's multiple champion jockey will be having his first ride in Britain since suffering a broken leg in a fall at Cheltenham in March.

Mullins reports the O'Connell family's superstar chaser in "very good form" for today's test but acknowledges the star performer is facing a huge task against the reigning champion Altior.

He said: "It's a red hot race although there are only four runners and it's difficult enough to see our horse beating Altior.

"We're happy with him but, realistically, it's a big ask. With Saint Calvados in the race there's going to be plenty of pace on and it has all the makings of a cracking contest.

"If the word heavy was in the ground description it would probably suit Un De Sceaux better at this stage of his career."

Pros A tried and trusted top-notch performer with nine Grade 1 wins over fences to his credit. Won this event two years ago and is as game and tough as they come.

Cons Rising 11 and facing a stiff task against the reigning champion Altior, who is two years his junior.

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