Shishkin highlights seven hopefuls for Tingle Creek clash at Sandown

Greaneteen provided trainer Paul Nicholls with a 12th victory in the Grade One contest 12 months ago and returns to defend his crown off the back of an impressive victory in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Shishkin was a notable absentee from last year’s Tingle Creek, but proved himself better than ever in winning the Desert Orchid at Kempton over the Christmas period before getting the better of Energumene in a pulsating Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January.

However, the eight-year-old will return with a point to prove if given the green light to make his comeback this weekend, having been pulled up in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Alan King looks set to give last season’s Arkle hero Edwardstone his belated reappearance after missing engagements at Cheltenham and Ascot due to unsuitable ground.

There is a strong presence from Ireland with Henry de Bromhead’s Fortria Chase winner Captain Guinness and the Willie Mullins-trained Gentleman De Mee – who slammed Edwardstone at Aintree in the spring but unseated his rider on his reappearance at Naas – joined by Dunvegan from Pat Fahy’s yard.

The small but select field is completed by Funambule Sivola, who finished second to Energumene in the Champion Chase before being pulled up at Aintree.

More from Sporting Life

• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.