Tingle Creek Chase: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Sandown plays host to the Tingle Creek.

Timeform give their thoughts on the highly-anticipated clash between Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire.

Doeslessthanme got his act together last season, signing off with hat-trick over this trip (defied mark of 144 final occasion). No match for Wishfull Thinking on return at Cheltenham and tongue tie goes back on.

Idarah improved when winning 17f handicap chase at Kelso last month, travelling strongly. Not one to trust implicitly, though, and bit to find with Doeslessthanme.

Kinkeel is a veteran performer whose last success came in a handicap chase off 69 and out of his depth here.

Kumbeshwar has a good record under this rider and jumped better than of late when resuming winning ways at Haydock (2m) last month. Unlikely to get away with mistakes around this circuit.

Sanctuaire remains unbeaten over fences and much improved when scoring twice over C&D last 2 starts last term, jumping really well final occasion. Well worth place in this and course record stands him in good stead.

Sprinter Sacre was a truly outstanding novice last season, winning all 5 starts, including Game Spirit and Arkle. Looks a stellar performer in the making, and impossible to oppose on return to action.

His Excellency won twice over fences for Gordon Elliott in the summer and went in again in 2m Cheltenham novice chase in October. Highlighted ungenuine nature back there last time, though. Opposable.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Sprinter Sacre
2. Sanctuaire
3. Doeslessthanme

Timeform view:  It's difficult to view this year's Tingle Creek as anything other than a match between Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire, the 2 best novice chasers around last season. The vote has to go to Nicky Henderson's charge who is currently Timeform's top-rated chaser in training judged on his emphatic Arkle success.