Tingle Creek Preview: Henderson star to Sprint clear

Expect to see some fantastic rounds of jumping at Sandown

Timeform's Tony McFadden previews Saturday's clash between Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire in the Tingle Creek...

History has shown us that billing Grade 1 contests as a match, ignoring the other contestants, can often prove to be an embarrassing mistake. Racing's marketing men were left wiping egg from their faces with their Kauto Star and Denman scarves as Imperial Commander roared up the hill to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory in 2010, and last year's Gold Cup, where the narrative leading up to the race focussed on the rivalry between Kauto Star and Long Run, was another case in point of the error of solely concentrating on two horses. However, that being said, it really is difficult to view this year's Tingle Creek as anything other than a match between Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire, two highly impressive novice chasers last year, who jumped with such speed and alacrity that it was scarcely believable that they were just starting their careers over the larger obstacles.

Sprinter Sacre, currently rated as Timeform's top-rated chaser in training, enjoyed a particularly fruitful novice campaign, the highlight being his victory in the prestigious Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, barely having to come off the bridle to dispatch Cue Card, a top-class performer in his own right. The enormous Timeform rating of 175 he achieved for that success was little surprise based on the impression he had created in his first three starts over fences, dismantling Champion Hurdle runner-up Peddlers Cross before stepping out of novice company to land the Game Spirit Chase on the bridle.

Having finished a highly encouraging third in the 2011 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, where he travelled for a long way like the best horse in the race, hopes were always high that the rangy Sprinter Sacre would be able to make up into a better chaser. Obviously, no-one could have anticipated just how big an impression he would make in his first season over fences, but the right signs were there. On the other hand, Sanctuaire's successful campaign was an entirely less predictable affair. Having burst onto the scene with a stylish victory in the Fred Winter Hurdle at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival, Sanctuaire had become a horse to be wary of, often ruining his chances at the start by essentially refusing to race. However, the switch to fences appeared to work the oracle as the reluctance which had characterised the latter stages of his hurdling career was replaced by a new found enthusiasm and appetite to race.

A winner of two fairly weak novice chases on his first two starts over fences, Sanctuaire was pitched in against good sorts such as Somersby and French Opera on his final start of the campaign in the Celebration Chase at Sandown. Whether or not he was given too much rope by his rivals is certainly a matter open for debate, but what is not in question is the sensational round of jumping put in by Paul Nicholls' gelding. Sent into an early lead, Sanctuaire opened up a decisive advantage down the back, attacking the fences with real gusto, standing well off and putting in some extremely bold and slick leaps. His rivals simply couldn't get close and he ran out a most impressive 17-length winner, underlining just how well he had taken to chasing.

The issue of tactics is certainly one worth addressing ahead of the Tingle Creek. Everyone is expecting Sanctuaire to blast off in the early stages and, while the element of surprise can be a potent weapon, it is hard to see how Ruby Walsh will be able to employ any tactic other than leading on his headstrong mount. Sanctuaire clearly possesses plenty of speed and his jumping is an asset around a course such as Sandown, but Sprinter Sacre is also a tremendous jumper with plenty of pace, arguably more so.

For all that Sanctuaire is a talented horse, is well suited to the course and will arrive at the peak of fitness, it is hard to imagine that he will be able to take Sprinter Sacre out of his comfort zone on Saturday. If anything, Sprinter Sacre, who can often pull for his head, would have benefitted from a stronger pace in his races last season. 

Such was the impression that Sprinter Sacre created last term, it is difficult to envisage any horse being able to beat Nicky Henderson's superstar over two miles. He is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge for many a season and it could be that Saturday's race, against a good rival likely to set a fast pace, will allow him to post a truly exceptional rating. Having espoused the danger of billing any race as a match, I am fast convincing myself that Saturday's Tingle Creek, or any race Sprinter Sacre competes in this season, is essentially a one-horse race. 

Recommendation:
Back Sprinter Sacre in the Tingle Creek

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