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7 in the hunt for Tingle Creek glory

His Excellency (left) is in the Tingle CreekHis Excellency (left) is in the Tingle Creek
© Photo Healy Racing

Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire will face off in Saturday's Sportingbet Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in the first big clash over two miles this season.

The handicapper has the pair rated only 3lb apart, with Nicky Henderson's Arkle winner Sprinter Sacre just ahead of the Paul Nicholls-trained Sanctuaire.

Sprinter Sacre appears to have the chasing world at his feet having gone unbeaten through his novice season, with a victory against his elders in the Game Spirit Chase also on his record.

Sanctuaire has only had three races over fences but has looked a natural.

His 17-length victory over Victor Chandler Chase winner Somersby in the Celebration Chase over the course and distance showcased his talents in full.

Nicholls also runs the Graham Wylie-owned Doeslessthanme, second to Wishfull Thinking at Cheltenham first time out this season.

Alan King saddles Kumbeshwar, who recovered from a shocking fall at Kempton to win next time out at Haydock, while David Pipe is represented by the four-year-old His Excellency.

The seven-runner field is completed by the Venetia Williams-trained Idarah and Tony Carroll's Kinkeel.