Shishkin, Edwardstone and last year’s winner Greaneteen are among the potential runners in Saturday’s Betfair Tingle Creek Chase – see our horse-by-horse guide.
CAPTAIN GUINNESS (Henry De Bromhead) – Betfair odds: 12/1
He is still only seven years old and has won Grade 2 and 3 events in Ireland but has often found life more difficult when traveling to the UK. Greaeteen beat nearly six lengths in this race last year and there is a strong case to suggest this weekend’s edition has even more power. Will try to pick up the pieces late in the day, but the executives might be gone and gone.
DUNVEGAN (Pat Fahy) – Betfair odds: 25/1
He looked more of a stayer before returning to the trip and positive tactics really prompted a big improvement last season, winning big handicaps at Fairyhouse in November and January before finishing (12 lengths) second to Chacun Pour Soi in a top event. at the Dublin Racing Festival. He missed the spring campaign but has had a recent spin on the Flat which should help fitness-wise and is likely to help make Saturday’s race a real test over the distance. Chances are, though, he’ll be outmatched when it matters most.
EDWARDSTONE (Alan King) – Betfair Odds: 11/4
A second foray into the Novice Chase worked wonders for him last year, winning five at the tournament, including the Sporting Life Arkle at Cheltenham, despite being knocked out at Warwick for the first time in November 2021. He was in no way disappointed when finished the previous campaign with Is second to Gentleman De Mee, although the current season is yet to begin after missing intended engagements at Cheltenham and Ascot due to good ground. He’s likely to get the right conditions here, but he’s suddenly entering the big leagues and will likely need another career high to get back to winning ways in his late return.
FUNAMBULE SIVOLA (Venetia Williams) – Betfair odds: 25/1
Possibly one of those who will fall somewhere with top handicap losers and genuine Grade 1 contenders, but he has a terrific attitude and jumps so well too. He took advantage of others not pulling when second to Energumene in the Queen Mother Champion Chase (40/1) at Cheltenham before a disappointing run when stepped back over two and a half miles at Aintree the following month. Second place in the Peterborough Chase first out last term and won when fresh in the past as the Williams yard kicks into gear which looks another positive. Just seven more and it could have a bit more improvement in it too, though it will clearly need it.
GENTLEMAN DE MEE (Willie Mullins) – Betfair odds: 9/1
He quickly got over the fences after a rusty start last season, culminating in a stunning victory over Sporting Life Arkle hero Edwardstone at Aintree in April. This marked him as one of the top starters, so disappointing to see him look beaten before upsetting Mark Walsh on his season opener at Naas on 12 November. A lot will have to come from that to be competitive here, but the engine is there and his jumping had become an asset before the recent injury. Possibly the best watched overall.
GREANETEEN (Paul Nicholls) – Betfair odds: 7/4
He has won three Grade 1 contests over two miles in the last two seasons and all over this course and distance which obviously bodes well. He came back fourth in the Haldon Gold Cup to win this event 12 months ago, so the fact that he managed to win the same Exeter handicap from a high mark of 168 earlier this month suggests he is probably better than ever and another seriously bold bid can be expected.
SHISHKIN (Nicky Henderson) – Betfair odds: 10/11
She appears to have found the grueling field conditions dead against her when she was last seen as the odds-on favorite in the Queen Mother’s Champion Chase. Clearly miles better than that when firing on all cylinders (has plenty of winning form on soft ground) and undoubtedly the one to beat on his seasonal return with the Henderson yard very well up and running in recent weeks.
Conclusion
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair sports betting
Course specialist Greaneteen is a massive threat here as he defied the mark of 168 to win the Haldon Gold Cup so impressively on his seasonal return but was beaten 10 lengths by SHISHKIN in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last Christmas and could have his work cut out if star Nicky Henderson returns to song.
Granted, Shishkin is 3lb worse than at Kempton, but he was light on the day and is obviously a third tier when he fights. The sight of him stopping at Cheltenham in March is not easily forgotten, but the Seven Barrows team is flying right now and this eight-year-old will not want to do fitness for the first time.
He can make his Sandown debut a winning one.
Edwardstone in form as if he might need a slightly longer trip against the best two miles around when beaten at Aintree in the spring and with that in mind he may Captain Guinness provides a place of early value in every sense.
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed to supporting safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised for people over the age of 18 and we strongly encourage readers to only bet what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare activated 0808 8020 133.
Support and additional information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.