Waiting Patiently on ground news

WAITING Patiently could attempt to take advantage of Altior’s absence in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on December 9.

Malcolm Jefferson’s unbeaten chaser has several options.

However, the defection of last year’s Arkle Chase winner has opened up the possibility of him running in the two-mile Grade One.

The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase and the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham are other possibilities for Waiting Patiently, who is being geared up for what his connections hope will be a good season.

However, if the ground is soft at Sandown next month he could make the line-up.

“He was always going to get the entry but he’s very ground dependent,” said Jefferson’s daughter and assistant trainer, Ruth.

“Obviously, because of the news about Altior there will be a few more targeting the race now.

“From our point of view, we’ll just have to wait and see what the ground does.

“The race was in our minds anyway, but more so now. We just need the ground to come right for us to consider running Waiting Patiently.”

Current second favourite for the Tingle Creek is Politologue, winner of the Haldon Gold Cup on his re-appearance but behind Waiting Patiently in a Grade Two at Haydock last season.

Jefferson added: “We outstayed Politologue that day.”