Sire De Grugy leads the pack looking to profit from Sprinter Sacre’s misfortune in what now looks a wide-open renewal of the BetVictor Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Sprinter Sacre would have been a long odds-on favourite to take his unbeaten record over fences to 11, but misses out after returning a dirty tracheal wash earlier in the week.
The defection of National Hunt racing’s brightest star means the way is clear for someone to make themselves a hero, with Sire De Grugy the top-rated horse in the field by some margin.
Gary Moore’s stable star was impressive on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow in late October, and showed when winning the Celebration Chase in the spring the testing nature of Sandown holds no fears for him.
Sire De Grugy needs to bounce back from a shock defeat at Cheltenham last month, but Moore feels his seven-year-old is in a better place now.
He said: “I was a little bit disappointed at Cheltenham, but there were a few things we can iron out right that were wrong at Cheltenham and I think he will be a better horse at Sandown. I think the track will suit him better.
“Captain Conan has beaten us before, so we’ve got him to beat, but I’m really pleased with my horse.
“My only worry would be the back straight can dry out quickly at Sandown and we know Sire De Grugy is a better horse on softer ground – the softer the better.
“We know we’re not going to get his ideal conditions, so we’ve just got to make the best of it.
“At least he’s got course and distance form and I’m sure he’ll give a good account of himself.”
Despite Sprinter Sacre’s absence, Henderson still has a major contender in Captain Conan, who has won three Grade Ones from three starts at the track.
Henderson’s big rival, Paul Nicholls, fields the talented, but difficult-to-predict, Kauto Stone, who is fitted with blinkers for the first time.
The half-brother to the great Kauto Star chased home Sizing Europe in the 2011 Tingle Creek, but has failed to fire on his last four starts.
“He was disappointing at Down Royal last time and you just wouldn’t know what to expect from him. He’s very unpredictable,” said Nicholls.
“It’s obviously easier without Sprinter Sacre in the race and Kauto Stone was second a couple of years ago, so if he’s on a going day, who knows what will happen.”
Tataniano was formerly a very exciting two-miler for Nicholls, but was switched to trainer Richard Rowe earlier this year after losing his way.