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.