JANIKA, the winner of last season's Haldon Gold Cup over fences at Exeter on his seasonal reappearance, could prove the class act in Saturday's Matchbook Better Way To Bet Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.
The Nicky Henderson-trained French import, who was second at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, has been off the course for 11 months but clearly goes well fresh and returns on a much lower mark over the smaller obstacles despite being set to carry top weight.
At his best, Janika is a very useful chaser; after beating Dolos off 162 at Exeter, he took on some high quality company in the Tingle Creek and then in the Clarence House Chase on this card last year when finishing fourth behind Defi De Seuil and Un De Sceaux.
But he also ran creditably in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham last January when beaten about seven lengths into fourth behind Summerville Boy and Roksana with the subsequent National Spirit winner William Henry just ahead of him in third.
On that form, Janika's hurdles rating of 147 is probably about right but, overall, he seems a much better horse in handicaps than in conditions races and, with good previous form at Ascot and returning here after a wind operation, a bold bid is expected.
Meanwhile, the Clarence House renewal looks a cracker with the Tingle Creek and Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Politologue taking on recent King George runner-up Waiting Patiently and last year's winner Defi De Seuil.
The likes of First Flow, Duc Des Genievres and Fanion D'Estruval are all capable of picking up the pieces if the big three run below-par which is just a possibility given that Politologue seems best when absolutely fresh these days, that Waiting Patiently must not 'bounce' dropping back in trip after that big effort at Kempton which followed a long absence, and that Defi De Seuil needs to re-discover his mojo after two disappointing efforts since last year's victory.
All in all, it should be a treat of a race to watch but there may be a better punting opportunity in the Matchbook Best Odds Handicap Chase in which ENQARDE can take advantage of his low weight after running promisingly in last month's Tommy Whittle Chase only to unseat his rider in the second half of the back straight.
At the time, Dr Richard Newland's charge had yet to be asked any serious questions, and was certainly travelling every bit as well as the eventual winner Sam's Adventure.
That was Enqarde's first run over fences in this country, having previously won easily over hurdles at Newcastle and finished a close second on this course, but he had plenty of experience over the bigger obstacles in France.
Off a mark of 124, with Charlie Hammond claiming an additional 3lb, he looks potentially well handicapped for his shrewd handler and, at the age of seven, is open to further improvement.
Published at 1555 GMT on 22/01/21
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