Paul Nicholls is bidding to get back to winning ways in the Sportingbet Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown when Sanctuaire takes on Arkle hero Sprinter Sacre.

The champion trainer has already won the Grade One contest eight times, with the victory of Sizing Europe 12 months ago interrupting an unbeaten sequence of six.

Nicholls looked to be running out of patience with Sanctuaire over hurdles as he became increasingly reluctant to race, but he was rejuvenated by a change to fences and has already won twice over the course and distance, including in open company in the Celebration Chase.

The trainer said: "We're happy with his preparation. He's in good shape and we're looking forward to it. We know that racing has a habit of turning these things up but it's a good race.

"We're happy and Nicky's happy with his horse."

Alan King feels he has nothing to lose, and decent place prize-money to gain, by saddling Kumbeshwar to take on the big two of Sanctuaire and Sprinter Sacre.

"Kumbeshwar will obviously find this a lot tougher than when he won at Haydock last time, but he is a hard horse to place and there is good prize-money on offer, with £12,800 for third, so we are giving it a go," the Barbury Castle handler told www.alankingracing.co.uk.

13 May 2013

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12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
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Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
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11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
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Ramsa ready to stand Trial
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McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
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Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
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Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
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Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests