Tingle Creek Day

Oh Crick got us out of trouble a bit last week and we need a winner or two this week. What a day of racing to get us out on though, Sandown hosts the Tingle Creek while we use the National Fences at Aintree.

Its the matchup every racing fan has been dreaming of, the Kauto vs Denman of two miles. Of course I refer to The magnificent Sprinter Sacre and the Electric Sanctuaire. To add a bit more gloss to the occasion they represent Nicholls vs Henderson... Again. So lets crack on with a placepot and selections from Sandown, with some also from Aintree, Cheptsow and Wetherby.

12:20 Sandown - Golden Hoof

This looks a pretty weak race in truth with the exception of Nicky Henderson's inmate. He was impressive on his second start at Kempton and looks like the ideal type to carry that forward. He must carry a penalty today but takes on inexperienced rivals and the ground shouldn't be a problem. Sets the standard and is the one to beat for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty. (no price yet)

12:55 Sandown - Kentford Grey Lady

Emma Lavelle's Mare was one of the top horses in her category last year, beaten only by Quevega at Cheltenham. She starts off here as top weight in a handicap. The yard hasn't had a winner since November 8th but remain in good form with countless places. There is the fact that she isnt an ordinary horse either. Dominic Elsworth takes the ride for the first time which is hardly a negative and should be right there at the end. (3/1)

1:25 Sandown - Sam Winner

Usually on more testing ground you would look for the ones down the bottom of the weights. This time is different though, this race for me concerns 3 of the top 4. Sam Winner, Big Easy and Topolski are those 3. The second mentioned could well be better over this distance while the Topolski has been out of form for a while. On his novice form he could go close here and the step up in trip will be what he needs. He is also a course winner here 2 years ago. The main selection has been off for a year however since injury struck at Cheltenham. He was fourth in the triumph hurdle when staying on like a train, explaining the obvious step up in trip. Its interesting Paul Nicholls has thrown him into a saturday handicap straight away. Could well be the third favourite of the day to oblige at Sandown. Sam Winner (5/2) Topolski (33/1)

1:55 Sandown - Captain Conan

The biggest threat to Captain Conan today should be the fences. Hinterland is better than he showed at Exeter when going off stupidly fast and tiring. Third Intention has already been put in his place by the selection and the other two dont look good enough. It has been muttered that Captain Conan 'doesnt't have gears'. We wont be any the wiser on this testing ground after today as many will be struggling to pick up late on. As thought he was very good over his fences at Cheltenham and should oblige today easily. Very short odds for the reward however (1/2)

2:30 Sandown - Petit Robin

It was hard to tear myself away from Cheltenham scorer Ifandbutwhynot but Petit Robin is the selection. He scored nicely at Ascot on testing ground and was raised 6 pounds for that. Nico de Boinville negates 7 off his top weight so is running off one pound lower. People seem to forget Petit Robin was a one time top class chaser until injury struck and sidelined him. In 2009 he won the Desert Orchid chase beating Well Chief doing so. He faces a stiff task here too but should be more than good enough if returning to near his best. (7/1)

3:05 Sandown - Sanctuaire

This is one of the races of the year, exluding the rematch in the Champion Chase. Sprinter Sacre sent chills down your spine in every run last year culminating in the Arkle. But what he did Sanctuaire matched when winning the grade 2 Celebration chase here. He was simply awesome that day and followers of this blog were rewarded. He jumped with such fluency and travelled as well as you will see in a racehorse. Doing this he pounded Somersby by 17 lengths without being asked for any real effort. Sprinter Sacre is obviously a much better horse than Somersby, but Sanctuaire could well take some pegging back on this ground. Paul Nicholls' gelding to steal the show, whatever happens, get a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy the show. (5/2)

3:40 Sandown - Golan Way

Oddly the London National is one of my favourite races of the year, im mot quite sure why, but I have always had a soft spot for it. Sheena West had one runner here yesterday in Captain Cardinton which won. Golan Way represents her here and he is 1 from 1 at the Esher based track. He has been called every name under the sun, but is an awesome horse on his day. The one win here came in a very good race and was won in fantastic style, not touching a twig the whole way round. A reproduction of that performance will get him round in front today. (11/2)

1:05 Aintree - Across The Bay

Donald McCain's novice faces his toughest task to date here, but everything he has been asked he has come through well over fences. Over hurdles he has useful form with Big Buck's and may sneak under the radar as a novice. He receives 4 pounds from Quito De La Roque today and could spring a surprise. (7/2)

2:10 Aintree - Any Currency

Martin Keighley's gelding missed out on the National by one spot last year, after a breathing operation he gets to tackle them today. Then trainer has been expressing how much he has been looking forward to seeing him over these fences. This is preferred to the easier option of going to Sandown and Aidan Coleman rides. Since his breathing operation he has won at Wincanton and a good fourth at Cheltenham. (14/1)

2:05 Chepstow - Cannington Brook

Colin Tizzards Gelding was last seen in the Betfair Chase mixing is with the likes of Long Run. He ran well till class prevailed and still wasnt beaten out of sight that day, the drop in class is the obvious choice. He gets his beloved Heavy ground today and Ryan Mahon takes off 3 pounds which helps no end here. At 9/2 he is grossly overpriced and is the one to beat in this assignment. (9/2)

One last mention, in the 12:45 at Wetherby Yurok should go well after having a prep run and blowing away the cobwebs.

Phew! Happy Punting today guys!

Come on Sanctuaire!!