Star names who could reappear this weekend: 'She has a fine record when fresh' Another stellar weekend of jumps racing lies ahead with the Tingle Creek at Sandown the centrepiece as the festive season begins. Two days of quality racing from the Esher venue will be joined by Aintree, Cork, Chepstow, Navan, Kelso and Huntingdon as the quality action unfolds for jumps racing fans. We've picked out some big names that could be making their season comebacks this weekend. Aworkinprogress Top owner JP McManus may well have an established star in Jonbon headed for the Tingle Creek, but he has another one to keep an eye on at Chepstow when Aworkinprogress lines out in the Coral Welsh Grand National Trial Handicap Chase on Saturday afternoon. The Nick Gifford-trained contender has won six on the trot over fences and 'bulldozes through' heavy ground according to his trainer. He could secure a place in the festive feature with a big effort here. Mr Vango Sara Bradstock's Mr Vango won the London National at Sandown on reappearance last season and is now targeting the Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday on his first run since winning the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. The dour stayer should relish conditions and goes well with give underfoot, although he does carry top-weight over the famous National fences. Slade Steel The winner of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March 2024, Slade Steel ran just twice last season as a novice chaser for Henry de Bromhead and owners Robcour. He was second to Better Days Ahead at Navan and filled the same berth behind subsequent Cheltenham Festival-winning Grade 1 novice Lecky Watson at Naas in December. He takes on a beginners chase at Navan on Saturday after 355 days out and connections will be hoping he break his duck over fences. Saint Sam Willie Mullins has entered Saint Sam in the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday afternoon. The consistent and versatile performer won a Grade 2 at Clonmel last season and was last spotted finishing second to Found A Fifty in a Fairyhouse Grade 2 over 2m4f at Easter. He rarely runs a bad race and could square up to the likes of Edwardstone, Hitman and Djelo at Huntingdon. Kargese The Mullins mare Kargese won the County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and then finished six lengths third behind stablemate State Man in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle in her first go in open Grade 1 company. She has a fine record when fresh and is being aimed at the Grade 2 Coolmore N.H. Sires Order Of St George Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Cork on Sunday afternoon. Banbridge, Energumene and Majborough We could have a cracking renewal of the Hilly Way Chase at Cork if some of the big name entries stand their ground. Joseph O'Brien appears intent on running Banbridge, last season's King George winner, having seemingly failed to stay longer trips in the spring at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Mullins has won the Mallow race a staggering 16 times and double Grade 1-winning novice Majborough is being touted for his comeback in the Hilly Way, though the champion trainer has also entered Energumene, winner of the Cork Grade 2 in 2021, 2022 and 2024 and so far unbeaten at this venue.
