Richards’ ground fears for John’s Bet365 bid

NICKY Richards has warned punters According To John is unlikely to take his chance in Saturday’s Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, unless the Esher track sees some rain.

The nine-year-old, third behind Denman in the 2007 Royal & SunAlliance Chase, returned from a 14-month absence to finish fourth at this venue in January.

He was far from disgraced when occupying the same position at Aintree last time, but was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s Scottish Grand National because of the fast ground at Ayr.