Altior absence leaves Tingle Creek at the mercy of Paul Nicholls-trained pair

2.25 Sandown
Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) | 1m7½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

The shock withdrawal of Altior from the Tingle Creek on Friday night leaves the Tingle Creek at the mercy of Paul Nicholls, who has won the race a record ten times including with the likes of superstars Kauto Star, Master Minded and Flagship Uberalles.

Nicholls is 2-5 with Coral to reclaim the trainers' crown from Henderson (7-4), and Altior's absence leaves him in pole position to boost his title challenge with Politologue, who provided Nicholls with his tenth Tingle Creek in 2017, and Greaneteen in Sandown's winter highlight.

Greaneteen: progressive chaser is the mount of Harry CobdenCredit: Edward Whitaker

"They will both love the ground," said Nicholls, who captured the £120,000 Grade 1 six times in succession from 2005 to 2010 thanks to Kauto Star, Master Minded and Twist Magic.

"Politologue has been lined up for this race since he came back in. He goes well fresh and is in good shape. Greaneteen won well at Exeter. He needs to improve, but comes into the race on an upward curve. Who knows where he could end up."

Improving Haldon Gold Cup winner Greaneteen, who is four from five over fences, is no reserve and is the mount of stable jockey Harry Cobden, although an agreement had been in place for Harry Skelton to maintain his association with Politologue, who he rode to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Skelton said: "It's slow ground which he'll love and Paul's very happy with him so I can't wait. He's been there and done it, he's been to many a dogfight and come out on top plenty of times so hopefully he does the same at Sandown."

Cobden, partner of Greaneteen, said: "He's a six-year-old who is improving and I think he'll come on for his run at Exeter. He seems to have improved at home and I gave him a little school a couple of days ago and he jumped really well.

"On official ratings he's got a bit to find, but we'll give it a good go."

What they say

Olly Murphy, trainer of Brewin'upastorm
I'm not really sure what to make of his run at Carlisle – I've put it down to just heavy ground and maybe not staying because he looked like he'd win in between the last and second-last fence but finished very tamely. Nothing came to light and we've put a tongue-tie on him. This is more of a fact-finding mission and we need a couple of the top ones to underperform to be competitive. I'm not sure he's an out-and-out stayer now, so two miles on a stiff track on soft ground will suit and we'll find out where we stand and how good he is.

Castlegrace Paddy: sole Irish raiderCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Pat Fahy, trainer of Castlegrace Paddy
He beat a good horse [A Plus Tard] at Navan and came out of the race in great shape. He heads over in tremendous form. I couldn't be happier, he'll never be as well. There's no pressure going over there, which is great, and we're facing some very good horses. He's a good traveller and Bryan [Cooper] will go over to ride. I think wearing a tongue-tie has made a difference to him. He's battling better when asked a question and sticking on well to the line.

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Harry Whittington, trainer of Rouge Vif
Hopefully they don't get much more rain – that's the worry. He was very impressive at Cheltenham last time and has been in great nick, while he's obviously had a run. He was ready for the Shloer Chase and I couldn't have him in better nick; his preparation has been great. It's a tough race, but he's earned the right to go for it. We'll go forwards as he likes to be ridden positively but doesn't have to make the running. Hopefully conditions are okay, but I'll walk the course when I get there to make sure it's not too soft.

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