Captain taking charge for Henderson

Nicky Henderson can still call on what he describes as a “proper horse” in the BetVictor Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown today as Captain Conan flies the flag in the absence of undisputed two-mile king Sprinter Sacre.

Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Sprinter Sacre would have been a long odds-on favourite to take his unbeaten record over fences to 11, but misses out after returning a dirty tracheal wash earlier in the week.

But Henderson still has a major contender in Captain Conan, who has won three Grade Ones from three starts at the Esher track, and four in total as he rounded off last season with victory in top company at Aintree.