Janika set to defy top weight
Janika can carry top weight to victory in the Brown Advisory and Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase, the fifth race on day three of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival. Carrying the familiar colours of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, he has had just two runs since arriving from France but there was plenty to be taken from both efforts.
Runner-up to the mercurial but undoubtedly talented Hell’s Kitchen on his first start for Nicky Henderson, he ran even better when touched off by one of today’s rivals, Siruh Du Lac, at this track in late January. On the more recent occasion he raced too keenly for his own good but still had the ability to mount a challenge in the straight. He hit the front on the run-in but was just touched off in the run to the line.
On better terms with the runner-up and on different conditions in a race sure to be run at a stronger pace, he can begin to realise his potential. He looks just the type to develop into a Grade 1 performer and can prove that by making light of top weight in this contest. Old foes Lostintranslation and Defi Du Seuil look set to dominate the JLT Novice Chase, which opens the card, and the former can confirm Cheltenham superiority over the former Triumph Hurdle winner.
Colin Tizzard’s horse finished behind Defi Du Seuil last time but, on their previous meeting at this track, his superior stamina gained the day. True to say, the form was reversed when Defi Du Seuil was more patiently ridden next time but, in today’s conditions, stamina is bound to be play a major role. Lostintranslation has that in abundance and connections have spoken about looking towards the Gold Cup next year. While Defi Du Seuil is likely to travel the stronger through today’s race, he may struggle to get by his old enemy on the punishing climb to the finishing line.
The Stayers Hurdle looks as difficult as ever, but Black Op looks worth a small each-way interest. Runner-up to Samcro in last season’s Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at this meeting, he began this term as a chaser, but things didn’t quite pan out as expected in his two runs over fences. He reverted to hurdling last time and ran better than his placing might suggest when a 14-length third behind today’s favourite, Paisley Park. He went in chase of the pace from a long way out and when that fell apart, he managed to stay on well to remain in the frame.
Proven on testing ground, he remains open to improvement in all spheres and can reverse that form with Paisley Park and runner-up West Approach. There seems to be plenty of confidence behind Faugheen and if the 11-year-old former Champion Hurdler comes home in front he will raise the roof. It’s going to be a fascinating race to watch but not one for big stakes. The Grade 2 National Hunt Breeders Supported by Tattersalls Mares’ Novice Hurdle has attracted a big field but the short-price favourite Epatante will be hard to beat.
She may not have achieved a huge amount in winning her two outings to date over timber, but she was hardly off the bridle in either outing and has immense potential. This is a big step up, but she looks a bit special and can complete her hat-trick at the expense of My Sister Sarah. The latter is one of five runners in the race for Willie Mullins, who has won all three previous runnings of this race. Arguably, she is unlucky not to be unbeaten in her three outings over hurdles so far and, as a decent jumper and a strong stayer, should be heavily involved at the end of the race.
