Paul Nicholls hopes for Sanctuaire’s success in Tingle Creek
As Sanctuaire prepares to participate in the next month’s Sportingbet Tingle Creek Chase with three-race unbeaten record, his trainer, Paul Nicholls, claims that the bay and brown gelding is a strong candidate for the Grade 1 contest and he will be pleased
to see him taking on the Racing Post Arkle winner Sprinter Sacre.
The legendary trainer seems to be quite satisfied with what his pupil has accomplished in this season. Ahead of December 8, he does not want the 16-race veteran horse to run anywhere.
According to him, the young French gelding is all focused on Tingle Creek and this strategy will pay them off in the high-profile contest that is set to take place at Swindon.
On the other hand, the Nicky Henderson trained, Sprinter Sacre, who has won 9 off 11 starts, is likely to prove his class in at least one race before turning to Swindon.
While speaking to the media about Sanctuair, Nicholls said, “He's an exciting two-mile chaser who starts off in the Tingle Creek. He looks stronger this season as well.”
He also hailed Sprinter Sacre by saying, “Sprinter Sacre's very good and very talented, but the handicapper has only 3lb between them [169-166] and that's not a lot - the Tingle Creek will be interesting."
Both Sanctuaire and Sprinter Sacre are strong and solid runners. Moreover, each one is at the peak of form these days. Thus, the sport lovers are expecting a rip-roaring battle between the two.
For now, the betting market is balanced on the duo, but it is expected that Sanctuaire will draw bigger bankroll in the end.
Sanctuaire started this season with 16-length clean victory in the Charlie Company 40 Commando Royal Marines Novices' Chase. That race was run at Taunton on January 31.
The brilliant gelding moved ahead to win Paddypower.com Extra Places At Cheltenham Novices' Chase (Burnt Oak & Special Cargo Challenge Cup) at Sandown on March 10. At the same venue, he grabbed another triumph on April 28. That was Bet365.Com Celebration
Chase Grade 2.
All three were epic performances. The horse is geared up to unleash a similar sort of run in the next month.
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