Willie Mullins has left both Douvan and Un De Sceaux in the Betfair Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday but Douvan is the short-priced favourite with the sponsors.

Mullins told the Irish Times: "Hopefully he (Douvan) will be able to run soon. He is entered for both the Tingle Creek and the Hilly Way (Cork, December 11th).

"Un De Sceaux is also in at Sandown so we'll see how things work out this week, but I would imagine Douvan would run in one of the two.

"The other route to go would be the John Durkan (at Punchestown on Sunday week) but we have Djakadam for that. If they had different owners they might take each other on. But for now at least I think Douvan will stay at two miles."

Douvan is unbeaten since joining Willie Mullins and has won at the last two Cheltenham Festivals. The six-year-old won a remarkable five Grade 1’s during the 2015/2016 jump season including a majestic seven-length victory in the Arkle.

Connections of the 2015 Arkle winner, Un De Sceaux had been inclined to avoid clashing with Sprinter Sacre but, with the Nicky Henderson superstar now enjoying retirement, the two-mile division in Britain looks wide open. Douvan and Un de Sceaux would be making their first appearances of the season and could give Mullins, his first victory in the race.

Gary Moore is responsible for two of the market principals as Ar Mad and Sire De Grugy look to give the Sussex trainer his third Betfair Tingle Creek victory in four years. 2013 and 2015 winner Sire De Grugy showed he still has plenty to offer when he defied top weight to win at Ascot earlier this month.

The eight entered in the Tingle Creek are: Ar Mad; Douvan; God’s Own; Sire De Grugy; Sire Valentino; The Game Changer; Un De Sceaux; Vibrato Valtat

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