Racing: Progessive Mulligan to make all the running

The former National Hunt jockey Steve Smith Eccles (right) gives a runner-by runner analysis of today's Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown

ASK TOM: Pulled up in the Haldon Gold Cup on his seasonal reappearance at Exeter behind Viking Flagship. Reported to have had a viral infection, he is best watched.

CELIBATE: Started the campaign with a win at Kempton but has fizzled out. The major players here look too good for him.

KLAIRON DAVIS: Won the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1996 and tuned up with a minor victory recently. Will take all the beating.

MULLIGAN: Unbeaten until he fell in his last two races as a novice, he was a creditable second to Viking Flagship at Exeter, making the running before tiring at the last. He should strip fitter this time and his front- running style will be seen to good effect on this track.

OH SO RISKY: As his name suggests, a wager on this gelding wouldn't be wise. A decent hurdler on his day but is not up to this task.

OR ROYAL: Disappointing behind Simply Dashing at Ascot but he will be better suited by this two miles. Loves to come off a strong pace and is sure to be involved in the finish.

VIKING FLAGSHIP: This great old horse doesn't know how to run a bad race, as he proved by taking the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on his reappearance. He was put in his place by One Man last time but will figure prominently here over his best trip.

Conclusion: I am convinced that we have still not seen the best of David Nicholson's exciting youngster MULLIGAN.