Stephen Welch's NAP of the Day (6th December)
1 minute Today's NAP runs in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase.
3:00 Sandown
L’EAU DU SUD - 5/2
L’Eau du Sud left a huge impression on reappearance when running away with the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, travelling like the class act throughout before putting the race to bed in a matter of strides. That effortless success confirmed what last season’s Henry VIII victory here had already hinted, he is a rapidly-improving two-mile chaser now ready to mix it at the very top level.
Still only a seven-year-old, he arrives with the perfect blend of tactical speed and accurate, economical jumping. The return to Sandown is a major positive too; he looked right at home around these sharp right-handed turns 12 months ago and the emphasis on jumping will again play to his strengths. With Harry Skelton in flying form and the Skelton yard having produced him cherry-ripe first time out, another step forward feels firmly on the cards.
Il Etait Temps is an outstanding rival with four Grade 1s already banked, but he concedes nothing in weight and won’t get the same free-flowing lead he enjoyed in Ireland. Jonbon has twice won this great race, yet recent form, including being brushed aside by L’Eau du Sud, suggests his grip on the division has loosened. The others need major improvement to worry the principals.
Verdict: A progressive star on the rise, proven at the track and full of pace, L’EAU DU SUD is strongly fancied to confirm Shloer form, announce himself as the new champion two-mile chaser and land the Tingle Creek. Confident NAP.
