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Captain's Blog - Friday 7th December

Is it just possible that we are just getting a little over excited about the Tingle Creek Chase?

Please do not get me wrong, I am a big fan of the race and the clash between Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire is an interesting one. Surely Sprinter Sacre will prove to be far too good for his rivals, though?

It is a contest that may not be quite as exciting as it is being billed, because Sprinter could turn it into a procession.

Sanctuaire is clearly an improved horse, and he seems to be particularly good at Sandown. His free-wheeling style has worked well at the track where front runners have a good record and he was particularly impressive when winning at the Bet 365 meeting.

It may be that he is better on fast ground, and he will certainly not get that tomorrow and lets face it in Sprinter Sacre he has a formidable opponent who looked different class last year when winning the Arkle.

This race could be dubbed the clash of the two-mile titans, but I have a feeling it will turn into the Sprinter Sacre show. The bookies make Sprinter a 4/9 shot; they are clearly not being swept along in the feverish build-up to the contest.

Our selection yesterday was an each-way poke on Corporal Maddox at Lingfield and in finishing third at 8/1 we did no damage. I felt that the drop to six furlongs would not be against him, but it clearly was, and he is not one to write off back at seven furlongs in the future.

Today I am keen on Lujeanie in the 3.05 at Lingfield. This horse won this race last year and has been shaping well recently. Two days ago he finished second in a five-furlong Claimer in which  he got going all too late to finish second. That was the first time that Graham Lee had ridden him. Now Lee has had a feeler on this horse and it is back up to six furlongs the combination can be backed with some confidence to repeat last year's win.

I am in the studio today helping out with our coverage of the action from Exeter and Sandown, make sure you join us from Midday.

Today's Selection:

3.05 Lingfield - Lujeanie (7/2 William Hill )