The big race tomorrow is the 24 runner Imperial Cup at Sandown where the winner can earn a nice bonus if following up in any race at the Cheltenham Festival. Normally the Pipe stable target this event, winning 5 of the last 8 renewals but they are not represented this time.
As you would expect this is a fiercely competitive handicap and there are plenty in with chances. One that catches my eye is Numide, trained by Gary Moore whose runners are always worth considering in these big handicaps. Numide has not had the best of season, partly due to his unsuccessful efforts over fences but he has dropped to a reasonable handicap mark. He now runs off a rating just 1 lb higher than his win in the Greatwood Hurdle last season. He is 25/1 in the RP. Another I like is the lightly raced Tocca Ferro. With only 3 runs over hurdles it may be that the handicapper has underestimated his ability. With the possibility of more improvement he could be a bit of a dark horse here. Messrs Walsh and McCoy will be doing battle in the Gold Cup next week and both have fancied rides in the Imperial Cup with Pepe Simo and Qaspal respectively. Both have engagements at Cheltenham so could be in line for that lucrative bonus. Favourites have won 5 of the last 8 runnings and I am going to select Qaspal who In think will start favourite. I will also throw in Numide each way at a big price.
The novice handicap hurdle at 2.00 is nearly as tricky to solve. I have narrowed it down to a short list of 4, My Shamwari, Red Harbour, Diamond Brook and Alderley Rover. My Shamwari and Alderley Rover were 2nd and 3rd at Bangor last month and the 4th horse has since won. Alderley Rover is now 6 lbs better off for being beaten a neck and the longer trip should also suit him. Red Harbour was runner up at Ascot last time out and the 3rd horse has won since. Ruby Walsh has ridden him twice with form figures that read 12. Diamond Brook was a fortunate winner at Exeter last time on soft ground. He should appreciate the better surface tomorrow. Red Harbour will like the ground and should go close while Alderley Rover looks value at 33/1.
Cockney Trucker unseated on his chase debut but fared better next time finishing 2nd at Doncaster. With that experience behind him he could go one better in the 4.15. Nikos Extra is my selection in the 4.50.
Bumper winner Qroktu has been disappointing so far this season but is worth another chance in the 2.20 at Chepstow. His bumper form was pretty good and the step up to 3 miles here might suit him. My other fancy at Chepstow is Sir Winston in the 5.15.
At Limerick Liss Na Tintri looks the form pick in the 2.05
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Karen Davies.
ahorse 