AN 11-1 Tingle Creek outsider is being tipped to spring a shock against potentially ‘vulnerable’ favourite Jonbon – as a yellow weather warning was issued for Sandown.
The big 2m Grade 1 Chase is the most prestigious race left before Christmas.
And Nicky Henderson’s current Champion Chase favourite is 1-2 to land the Betfair feature on Saturday.
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But ante-post punters clutching slips need to be wary of the desperate weather forecast ahead of the two-day meeting.
The Surrey track is braced for heavy rain tonight, according to the Met Office, carrying on through the early hours.
The forecast improves for the main racing on Saturday but, regardless, weather experts have issued a yellow weather warning for large parts of the country.
Sandown falls within the area expected to be hit by strong winds and heavy rain, with more light showers forecast for Saturday morning.
Bet365 racing guru Pat Cooney said the uncertain weather could make Jonbon – who is four from four at Sandown – ‘vulnerable’.
And he picked out an 11-1 fancy who could outrun his odds in the festive feature.
He said: “Jonbon is very popular and why wouldn’t he be given his perfect record at the track and with almost 10lb in hand on the ratings?
“I think he’s better here than anywhere else.
“But now is not the time to be backing him with the weather set to change things. There could be heavy rain and he is less effective on heavy ground.
“The 1-2 on soft is appetising but heavy going is not ideal for him and the ground might make him vulnerable.
“It depends how much rain they get. He’s formidable at Sandown and it will be interesting to see what’s backed against him.
“JPR One is the interesting, up-and-coming horse – especially if you want to bet without the favourite.
“If it’s heavy ground, Jonbon can’t be value at 1-2.”
The Joe Tizzard-trained JPR One won the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in fine style last month and has won three of his six races over fences.
But he is currently rated more than a stone lower than Jonbon so will need the ground to turn to a bog – he has previously won on heavy – to have much of a chance.
Jonbon, the JP McManus-owned superstar chaser, is a best-price 7-2 to win the Champion Chase at Cheltenham Festival, ahead of 4-1 second-fav and reigning Arkle champ Gaelic Warrior.
Betfair Tingle Creek odds
1-2 Jonbon
11-2 Quilixios
13-2 Edwardstone
10-1 Boothill
11-1 JPR One
16-1 Master Chewy
20-1 Solness
50-1 Unexpected Party
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