The absence of Sussex star two-miler Sire De Grugy at Saturday's 888sport Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown sparked a wave of entries for the Grade One race.

The Horsham-based eight-year-old, who romped to Tingle Creek and Champion Chase success last campaign, will not be at the Esher course to defend his crown due to injury.

Combined with the absence of 2012 Tingle Creek winner Sprinter Sacre, the predicted field for the big race will be larger compared to previous years as trainers fancy their chances in the duo's absence.

Alan King's Balder Success heads the betting at 5/2 ahead of God's Own (4/1). Balder Success finished third behind the latter in a Grade One novice chase over the Tingle Creek's two-mile trip at Punchestown in May.

There are no Sussex entries for the Tingle Creek race, however Sire De Grugy handler Gary Moore and Findon-based Nick Gifford have various entries in other races over the two-day meeting, which begins tomorrow (Friday).

UPDATE: There are ten confirmed declarations for the Tingle Creek.

For more information and tickets for the Tingle Creek meeting, visit sandown.thejockeyclub.co.uk