2010 Tingle Creek Chase Moved to Cheltenham

We’re expecting to see a bit of shuffling around in the betting markets as punters readjust their wagers for the Cheltenham surface. Originally scheduled to be run at Sandown, the weekend’s biggest jumps contest looks set to run over a left-handed course this time as a lack of snow at Cheltenham (and a positive forecast) will see action shifted there for a makeshift card in the coming days.

Those looking to back Master Minded likely won’t be put off as the talented Nicholls-trained seven year-old has scored over course and distance. He’s got a solid record in testing conditions and continues to trade as an even-money favourite. He combined well with Ruby’s stand-in Noel Fehily when they conquered a field of six in the Amlin Chase at Ascot a few weeks back. Master has been cut to even-money and with so many punters starved for quality jumps action we could see a lot more volume than expected pour into this race- it will be interesting to see what the prices are like at the off.

Another interesting variable is the presence of blue-collar jumper Kinkeel. Nobody really fancies him to win this but he is appearing as a popular option on the each-way thanks to a colossal price of 500/1. Yes, you read that correctly. His jumping career started all the way back in January of 2004 and he’s won four chases in a total of 88 runs though he has acquitted himself very well on occasion to finish second or third in races where he probably shouldn’t have. His last effort at Cheltenham was in the 2009 Connaught Chase where he finished last to a field of six bested by Well Chief.

Twist Magic punters will be a bit thrown off by the move to Cheltenham as the eight year-old bay boasts a solid record at Sandown but a nearly disastrous one at Cheltenham. Twist Magic has run over the surface four times and only actually finished the race once as a tepid sixth-place to (drum roll) Master Minded in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2008. 

Somersby will likely see a bit more volume thanks to the switch as he’s never finished outside the money in both of his runs at Cheltenham, coming in 3rd and 2nd in his two attempts- beaten by respectable company including Go Native and Sizing Europe. His 12/1 price makes him an interesting outside option and he could be poised to capitalize on any errors from Master Minded.

Gauvain scored over fan-favourite Forpadydeplasterer in his seasonal debut, coincidentally over 2m at Cheltenham, and his 6/1 price tag could shorten as volume comes in. He’ll actually be looking for his third score on the bounce and he doesn’t look completely out of it from a ratings perspective.