Whittington hoping rain stays away as Rouge Vif primed for 'dream' Tingle Creek

Taking on ten-time top-level winner Altior and Champion Chase victor Politologue is no easy task but it is one that awaits rising star Rouge Vif at Sandown on Saturday as long as the ground does not ease significantly.

The Kate and Andrew Brooks-owned six-year-old finished third in the Arkle in March and returned with a standout career-best victory in a handicap chase at Cheltenham in October.

Trainer Harry Whittington is hoping for a dry week in Esher in the lead up to the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, with the going at Sandown on Monday described as good to soft, good in places on the chase course, but up to 15mm of rain could arrive between Thursday and Saturday.

Tingle Creek Chase entries

Whittington said: “He’s in great form and I’m really pleased with him. He’s come out of his win at Cheltenham in good order and hopefully he’s ready for the step up to Grade 1 company.

“He was very impressive at Cheltenham and we were delighted with the way he jumped.

“We would obviously rather have our conditions given we’re taking on the likes of Altior, so better ground will be important to him. I think if the ground remains as it is we would be hopeful of a good run.

“If Sandown got plenty of rain that would put his participation in doubt, but at the moment he’s a definite runner if the weather holds and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Harry Whittington: hoping rain stays away from Sandown this weekCredit: Alice Whittington

Rouge Vif, a Grade 2 winner over hurdles and fences, is a general 7-1 chance to win the £120,000 event won last year by Defi Du Seuil. Altior heads the market at 4-5 in a bid for a second victory in the race.

Another progressive six-year-old in Haldon Gold Cup winner Greaneteen is second favourite at 4-1 and his stablemate Politologue is a 5-1 chance.

Whittington said: “These are the races you dream about running in. To have a horse capable of running in a big Grade 1 like the Tingle Creek against a horse of Altior’s calibre is hugely exciting. Hopefully we don’t get too much rain and it should be a very exciting race.”

Tingle Creek
Betfair: 4-5 Altior, 7-2 Politologue, 5 Greaneteen, 7 Rouge Vif, 14 First Flow, 16 Brewin'upastorm, 25 Castlegrace Paddy, 33 Esprit Du Large

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