The step back in distance helped Janika score at Exeter and he ilooks ready for a step up to the highest level at Sandown
In the absence of Altior the Tingle Creek at Sandown has a very competitive look and there is hope for fans of the veteran Un De Sceaux, the upstart Defi Du Seuil and the rarely spotted Waiting Patiently. But all three may be outdone by Janika (3.00), whose form over the past year looks all the more solid because it has often been in handicaps.
After joining Nicky Henderson from France he was a beaten favourite in all four starts last winter but there was no shame in twice failing narrowly to give lumps of weight to Sirruh Du Lac. The step back to this distance helped him score at Exeter last month and he is clearly ready to give them all a fright at the highest level.
Related: Talking Horses: why did stewards take no interest in Little Rory Mac?
Aintree
11.30 Harry Senior 12.00 Casablanca Mix 12.30 Cracking Find 1.00 Notre Pari 1.30 Vieux Lion Rouge (nb) 2.05 Midnight's Gift 2.40 Native River 3.15 Ultragold
Wetherby
12.10 Le Cheval Noir 12.40 Manofthemoment 1.10 Electron Bleu 1.40 Charmant 2.15 Dear Sire (nap) 2.50 Cash To Ash 3.25 Storm Force One
Sandown
12.15 Fiddlerontheroof 12.50 Oriental Cross 1.20 Silva Eclipse 1.50 Grand Sancy 2.25 Snarty Wild 3.00 Janika 3.35 Coningsby
Chepstow
12.20 Native Robin 12.55 Blackjack Kentucky 1.25 Supreme Escape 1.55 Captain Cattistock 2.30 Sojourn 3.05 Meyer Lansky 3.40 Drift Rock
Wolverhampton
4.50 Weloof 5.20 Born To Reason 5.50 Waldkonig 6.20 Raaeb 6.50 Top Boy 7.20 Paths Of Glory 7.50 Scrafton 8.20 Silverbrook