Timeform bring you their runner-by-runner guide and 1-2-3 verdict for the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
"Shishkin can put his Cheltenham Festival blip firmly behind him and affirm his position at the top of the two-mile chasing division."
Betfair Tingle Creek Chase
14:55 Sandown, Saturday
Live on ITV4
1. Dunvegan (Pat Fahy/ Jonathan Burke)
Very smart chaser who landed back-to-back handicaps at Fairyhouse before filling the runner-up spot (beaten 12 lengths) behind Chacun Pour Soi in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown in February. His jumping will be an asset round here but faces an uphill task in this company on seasonal reappearance.
2. Edwardstone (Alan King/ Tom Cannon)
A thoroughly likeable sort who took his winning sequence to five when landing the Sporting Life Arkle (his second win at Grade 1 level) at the Cheltenham Festival. Beaten by Gentleman De Mee at Aintree the following month, but his win in last year's Henry VII Novice Chase makes him an obvious player.
3. Funambule Sivola (Venetia Williams/ Charlie Deutsch)
Progressed well in open company last season, winning the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury and producing an even better effort when second in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Failed to settle when returned to a longer trip at Aintree subsequently but no back number here.
4. Gentleman de Mee (Willie Mullins/ Aidan Coleman)
Likely front-runner who defeated Arkle winner Edwardstone at Aintree in April, marking him out as one of the top novices in the division. Nowhere near his best on his return at Naas last month, unseating when well held in third, but can bounce back for top connections.
5. Greaneteen (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Cobden)
Last year's winner of this race, who looked as good as ever when winning last month's Haldon Gold Cup by seven lengths. Has superb C&D record (form figures of 2111, all Grade 1s) and will give Shishkin the most to think about.
6. Shishkin (Nicky Henderson/ Nico de Boinville)
Went into the Cheltenham Festival with an excellent Clarence House Chase win (beat future Champion Chaser Energumene), making it a perfect seven from seven over fences. Disappointed massively when pulled up as the 6/5-on favourite at the Festival but can bounce back here to affirm his position as the top two-mile chaser.