Trainer Gary Moore is upbeat on Sire De Grugy's Tingle Creek chances following an impressive win at Ascot on Saturday.
The 10-year-old came in last on his return over two and a half miles at Aintree last month but bounced back with a victory in a competitive handicap at the weekend.
Sire De Grugy will attempt to claim the Tingle Creek for a third time next month, and Moore feels if he performs as well as he did at Ascot he may well be the horse to beat in the Sandown showpiece.
“It was very pleasing for everyone, especially for the horse and for Jamie [Moore, Sire De Grugy's regular jockey],” the trainer told reporters.
“It was a great performance giving weight away, especially taking it [the running] up as early as he did and maintaining it all the way to the line.
“We've been pleased with him since, he ate up [on Sunday] and the night before.
“He jumped impeccably on Saturday and I don't think I've seen him jump as well as that.
“If he jumps like that at Sandown, that would be a massive bonus over all those Railway Fences down the back.”
