Tingle Creek at Sandown: Sprinter Sacre vs Sanctuaire

the most eagerly awaited clash of the season takes place today at 16.05 CET- with the two brilliant two-milers Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Sanctuaire (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) in opposition in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park. This is always a spectacular race and Sandown is the ideal track for such confrontations. Both of these runners, both French-bred 6yo´s, are unbeaten in chases - Sprinter Sacre is 5/5 and Sanctuaire 3/3 - so its a case of the unstoppable force against the immoveable object this afternoon, especially at they represent the two most powerful N.H. stables in the U.K. and are ridden by two of the most successful jump jockeys of all time. Sprinter Sacre has arguable the better form and is the higher rated - by 3 lbs officially, but by 11 lbs according to Timeform, but we would not be surprised to see Sanctuaire beat him today. Paul Nicholls has done a brilliant job in getting this once headstrong character to calm do wn a bit, although it seems almost certain that he will make the running. Sandown is an excellent track for front-runners and Sanctuaire has already won here twice. Furthermore we think that he might be better suited by the soft going than his rival, most of whose form is on good going. If Sanctuaire leads Sprinter Sacre by 3 lengths coming into the straight, then we could be treated to the finish of the season. Under normal circumstances, none of the other 5 runners has a chance, but the match between these two superstars should be enough to satisfy every fan of jumps racing.
Nicholls and Henderson look set to dominate the card, as so often this season, and go head to head again in the Grade One Henry VIII novice chase at 14.55, where they are represented by Hinterland and Captain Conan respectively. Both were smart hurdlers, who have run just once over fences, but while Captain Conan won well, Hinterland - still only 4- did not jump that well and was beaten at odds-on.That could give Henderson the advantage this time.
Henderson and Geraghty can start the afternoon off by winning the opening novice hurdle at 13.20 with Golden Hoof; as the only winner in the field, he has to give 7 lbs to his 5 opponents, but he could be up to the task. Nicholls can get one back with top weight Sam Winner (Walsh) in the 2 3/4 miles handovap hurdle at14.25; Sam Winner was a smart hurdler - 4th in the Triumph - but did not take well to fencing and has fallen in both his chases. Now he reverts to hurdling - shades of Big Bucks! The two German-breds here Big Easy (Philip Hobbs/ Richard Johnson) and Lightning Strike (Paul Webber/ Denis O´Regan) could well run into the money in this very open event.
Henderson has another good chance with Petit Robin in the listed handicap hurdle at 15.30. He has been put up 6 lbs for his narrow win at Ascot last time, but the allowance of his excellent amateur rider Nico de Boinville more than cancels that out. The main danger could be the much improved Ifandbutwhynot (David O´Meara/ O´Regan), who has shot up in the weights following two wins, but the form of these races looks solid enough.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Golden Hoof - Theatrelands - Beckhani
2. Race: Kentford Grey Lady - Florafern - Rosairlie
3. Race: Arkose - Sam Winner - Araldur
4. Race: Captain Conan - Hinterland - Third Intention
5. Race: Petit Robin - Ifandbutwhynot - Dolatulo
6. Race: Sprinter Sacre - Sanctuaire - Kumbeshwar
7. Race: Tempo De Cotte - Lively Baron - Fortification