Four Irish among Tingle Creek dozen Big Zeb heads a strong Irish challenge for the Keith Prowse Hospitality Tingle Creek Chase after 12 were left in at the latest entry stage today for the Sandown feature this Saturday. The Colm Murphy-trained gelding scored in impressive fashion on his reapperance at Navan, having previously been just touched off by reigning two-mile champion Master Minded at the Punchestown Festival. Arkle hero Forpadydeplasterer is also an intended runner in the Grade 1 event, while a four-strong Irish challenge also includes former Champion Chase winner Newmill and the Willie Mullins-trained Barker. Master Minded is currently sidelined after finishing third at Cheltenham on his return but Well Chief and Mahogany Blaze, who both beat him that day, should take their chance. They form part of a powerful home defence that also features 2007 winner Twist Magic and Free World from the Paul Nicholls yard. Last season's Champion Chase third Petit Robin could feature for Nicky Henderson, while Howard Johnson's Tidal Bay and the Gary Moore-trained Fix The Rib are also entered. However the presence of novice Crack Away Jack among the 12 entries is perhaps the most interesting. Emma Lavelle's charge was fourth in last year's Champion Hurdle and won his only start over fences over the course and distance at the beginning of November. The five-year-old has also been entered for the Grade 2 Henry VIII Novices' Chase on the same card, and Lavelle will consider the options with his owners before making a decision later in the week. The trainer explained: "We have put him in both just to see what it looked like and I'll discuss it with the owners before we make a decision." "We wanted to see how the races were shaping up. Obviously he has only had one run over fences, but he has been schooling over them all his life so it's not as if it's a whole new experience for him." "He will work tomorrow and then school again on Wednesday and we will look at it after that. It would be a big ask for him against horses like Big Zeb, if we decide to go that way. The ground might affect the decision a little bit as I think he likes slightly better ground." Whether Crack Away Jack tackles the Tingle Creek or takes up his novice engagement, Lavelle is looking forward to getting him back on the track. "It's a case of the sooner the better he gets back on the track judged on his behaviour at home!" she added. "He just loves life and if you go to the races with him, it just gives you a couple of quiet days before he starts winding himself up again. He's in fantastic form, though, and I couldn't be happier with him."
