Tingle Creek Chase 2011

3.05 Sandown

Sportingbet Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £68,340

Advice: 4 pts win Sizing Europe (13/8 general)

Cornas: Held his own in good company over this trip last season, and ran yet another solid race when second in Haldon Gold Cup; Goes well around this C&D but usually outclassed at this level.

Dan Breen: Novice winner at Bangor, Uttoxeter and Sandown last season but fell well short of Grade 1 class and ran a very poor race when only eighth in handicap company on return; Should really find quite a few too good for him. - NON RUNNER

Fix The Rib: Making into a very smart chaser before injury in 2009, but didn’t really hold his own when upped in class to Graded company; Behind Dan Breen on comeback and hard to think he’s upto this company.

 

Gauvain: Jumped into the headlines here with 4 length win over Forpadydepleaster conditions chase a year ago and while he didn’t quite build on that, no shame in subsequent efforts; Left with easier task on seasonal debut when winning hard held and while he’s probably got the talent to be winning a race like this, he’s held by Sizing Europe quite soundly on quite a few formlines.

I’msingingtheblues: Made up into useful staying handicap chaser last season, although let down by some weak finishing; Best effort for some time when running out clear cut winner of Ascot handicap chase (form boosted) but this a step above.

Kauto Stone: Hugely exciting recuit, being a half brother to fabled Kauto Star and also a Grade 1 winner in France; Excting when romping home in Grade 2 at Down Royal on UK debut and should come on physically for that although trip poses new question for him; Much respected.

Sizing Europe: All round class act (Arkle and should be Champion Hurdle winner) who added Champion Chase in emphatic style having been campaigned at 3 miles until then; Connections once again trying that route and showed himself to be in excellent form when brave second to Quito De La Roque in heavy ground at Down Royal; Should go very well.

Wishfull Thinking: Top novice chaser last season who gained quite a following with his front running exploits, bolting up in handicap chase here before brave second at the Festival; Followed that up with bold front running performances at Aintree/Punchestown; Attempt to do same in Paddy Power Gold Cup didn’t quite work out but should come on for that run and trainer claimed he’d had wind problem; Interesting going from front although this shouldn’t be any easier.

VERDICT: A fascinating renewal of one of the season’s highlights. The presence of Wishfull Thinking, - a habitually strong front runner who will have stamina to spare following his sixth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup – and Kauto Stone – an exciting French import from the same route as Kauto Star – adds lots of intrigue following the unfortunate absences of Finian’s Rainbow and Tataniano, but they all have some to go to catch SIZING EUROPE, who was super impressive when winning the Champion Chase and is going to take the beating if in the same form.