Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) (Gbb Race) (G1) 15.00 Sandown:
Il Etait Temps arrives in peak condition after a commanding victory on his seasonal reappearance at Clonmel just a month ago.
That performance showcased his sharp turn of foot and flawless jumping, echoing the authoritative display when he quickened clear to defeat Jonbon over this very course and distance in the spring.
The good to soft ground here will suit his powerful finishing style perfectly, as evidenced by his previous successes on similar surfaces.
Trainer Willie Mullins has targeted this race with confidence, noting the horse’s affinity for a stiff, right-handed track like Sandown’s, where he has already proven his class at the highest level.
With Paul Townend in the plate, his experience in big-field Grade 1s adds further assurance of a bold showing.
L’Eau Du Sud is buzzing with confidence following a demolition job in the Shloer Chase three weeks back, where he bolted up by fifteen lengths over the extended trip.
That effort highlighted his explosive acceleration and sound jumping under pressure, marking a clear career high on ground that was verging on good to soft.
Dan Skelton reports him in rude health since, with the yard’s current hot streak underscoring his fitness for this step up.
While a first-time visitor to Sandown, the sharp, uphill finish should play to his strong-travelling nature, much like the testing tracks where he has thrived lately.
Harry Skelton’s tactical nous will be key in positioning him for a late charge against these rivals.
Jonbon remains a formidable contender, seeking a third successive success in this prize despite a respectable second to L’Eau Du Sud on his return last month.
His jumping held up well that day, but he was unable to match the winner’s devastating change of gear late on.
Experience is his forte, with five victories from six starts around this circuit, including the last two editions of this race on comparable going.
Nicky Henderson has him primed after a solid preparation, and his class is undoubted, having banked multiple Grade 1 scalps.
The return to a venue where he excels could spark a revival, especially as he travels and jumps with such efficiency on this ground.
Libberty Hunter faces a stern examination here after unseating rider at the final fence in the Shloer Chase on his comeback three weeks ago.
Prior to that mishap, he had shown promise in graded company earlier in the year, but jumping errors have plagued his bigger targets.
Trainer Evan Williams admits concerns over his reliability in the air, though he insists the nine-year-old is sharp and well, having schooled impeccably since.
He handles good to soft well enough, but lacks the proven form at tracks as sharp as Sandown, where his bold-jumping style might be tested.
Harry Cobden’s riding could make a difference if he gets the trip just right.
Boothill makes his return after a lengthy absence, with his last outing a fall at Kempton back in January.
That incident followed a couple of encouraging efforts beforehand, but he has struggled to string races together consistently.
Harry Fry believes a fresh start could revive him on ground he copes with, yet the lack of recent match practice raises questions about his sharpness.
He has no prior experience around Sandown, and while capable on his day, the class of this field looks a notch above his recent level.
Bryan Carver will need everything to click from the front.
Simulation Results:
Il Etait Temps: 35.2% (equivalent fair odds 15/8).
L’Eau Du Sud: 30.1% (equivalent fair odds 10/3).
Jonbon: 25.0% (equivalent fair odds 3/1).
Libberty Hunter: 6.8% (equivalent fair odds 14/1).
Boothill: 2.9% (equivalent fair odds 33/1).
Best bet: Il Etait Temps, but odds much shorter than the percentage chance equivalent price.
Value selections: Jonbon, offered at live price matching or exceeding their fair odds derived from the simulation.
Steamer bet: no steamer
