Listener set for Sandown return

Robert Alner is not shirking a possible clash with Star De Mohaison in the John Smith’s Future Stars Chase at Sandown on Friday as The Listener is expected to make his seasonal reappearance at the Esher circuit.

The grey beat the Paul Nicholls-trained Star De Mohaison by nine lengths at Exeter a year ago before winning Grade Two races at Windsor at Cheltenham.

Uncharacteristic jumping errors saw him fall in two other outings last term - including in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, won by Star De Mohaison.

And although he is expected to need the run, Alner is looking forward to The Listener’s reappearance at Sandown.

“He’s going to run on Friday, and we will just give him a quick jump on Thursday to get him ready, but everything is going well,” said Alner.

“I certainly would be a little afraid of Star De Mohaison, but there are few races to run him in and wherever you go, you will take on good horses.

“It’s important to get him out as he needs to run.

“We know what it’s like to be the one everyone’s looking at, and I’m happier it won’t be us this time as the pressure is off a bit.”

Alner has one eye on a possible big prize at Christmas for his charge.

“The plan is to go for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown, so we’ll see how he goes,” added the Dorset-based handler.

“He needs soft ground and I think this race will do him good as he’s been off for a while and I have not had him back long.”