Shishkin can be best of the Brits
British trainers have faced criticism from their irish counterparts for not producing greater competition in the season’s biggest races, however there is no shortage of quality from these shores in today’s Betfair tingle Creek Chase.
SHISHKIN ( sandown, 2.55) — unbeaten in all 11 completed starts — last year’s tingle Creek hero Greaneteen and Edwardstone, impressive winner of the Arkle Chase in March, are all on target to engage in today’s marquee contest, ground permitting of course.
For shishkin, this represents a proper test of his mind and body following an abject performance when pulled up in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in the spring.
subsequently diagnosed with a rare bone condition, Nicky henderson’s star chaser has reportedly pleased his handler in the run up to this afternoon’s Grade One comeback.
Given recent events, the participation of a triumvirate to leave racegoers tingling may not be confirmed until all connections are happy with conditions. it wasn’t long ago that sandown was forced to abandon a meeting because of waterlogging and clerk of the course Andrew Cooper has been trying to ensure suitable ground for all parties.
today’s assignment will be far from straightforward for shishkin, who boasts the best form on show courtesy of his dramatic defeat of Energumene in the SBK Clarence house Chase in January.
the presence of Edwardstone and thriving haldon Gold Cup winner Greaneteen, who boasts three course wins from five starts, makes this a demanding return to action for shishkin, while the participation of Gentleman De Mee, conqueror of a below-par Edwardstone at Aintree, ensures one of the deepest renewals for some time.
however, if henderson is correct and his brilliant eight-year- old has recovered from his spring ailments, his finishing kick from the second last fence may prove tough to resist.
HILL SIXTEEN ( Aintree, 2.05) suffered an agonising defeat in last year’s Boylesports Becher handicap Chase but may enjoy recompense this afternoon. he failed by a nose to overhaul the gallant snow Leopardess following a breathtaking conclusion and trainer sandy thomson appears to have had a repeat attempt in mind for some time.
irish racegoers are also in for a treat tomorrow when the redoubtable honeysuckle bids for a staggering fourth successive win in the Bar One racing hatton’s Grace hurdle.
Unbeaten in all 16 races under rules, including seven at Fairyhouse, henry De Bromhead’s outstanding mare appears to have a straightforward task ahead as she bids to pocket a 12th Grade One, a task bookmakers make her long odds-on to complete.