Imperial Cup: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

"Tominator was a useful stayer on Flat who is progressing over hurdles and is the type to do well now handicapping in this sphere..."

Timeform guide you through the field for Saturday's feature event, the Imperial Cup at Sandown...

Tanerko Emery has been most progressive since switched to this yard, landing novice at Stratford and handicaps over C&D and Lingfield before excellent third in Welsh Champion Hurdle last month. Likely to improve further.

Mr Mole landed Hereford bumper on debut and won on hurdling bow at Exeter (17f) in October. Made mockery of lenient initial mark when beating Home Run at Taunton last month and 12 lb rise looks fair.

General Miller was a leading novice hurdler in 2009/10. Very lightly raced since, fine second to Overturn in 2m Perth handicap in August 2011 and not knocked about when down field on return at Ascot last month.

Valdez was a dual-bumper scorer who didn't take long to do likewise over hurdles this term, landing odds at Huntingdon and Plumpton. Good third under double penalty at Doncaster since, and not dismissed.

Claret Cloak was a bumper winner who ended last season with brace of novice wins over 2m. Shaped well when third in listed handicap at Ascot on return and excused below par run on soft ground in Betfair Hurdle since.

Arnaud won 2m maiden at Limerick last term and fifth in Fred Winter at Cheltenham. Back to best when second in minor event at Cork in January, and though found out in Grade 2 next time is still worth a look.

Shammick Boy was a dual hurdles winner in 2011 who was hit and miss over fences last season, but back to best over timber when beating Whitby Jack in 2m Chepstow handicap 2 weeks ago. Should go well again.

Le Bacardy was prolific in France in 2012, winning 5 times. Claimed for £12,520 in December and better than ever to take 2m Newbury handicap earlier this month. 12 lb rise will make life tougher here, however.

Kazlian looked impressive when bagging brace of wins last term, and better than result when fourth in Fred Winter. Well held in couple of handicaps in the mud this time around, but far too soon to write off.

Minella Definitely was an Irish point winner who made winning start over hurdles at Kempton in November and landed 11-runner novice event at Wincanton last month, though given stiff-looking mark here on handicap bow.

Changing The Guard has shown form more in-keeping with his Flat ability in handicap hurdles around 2m this season, winning 3 times in total. Suspicion handicapper has him about right now, however.

First Avenue was bang in contention when coming down at last in C&D handicap in November. Shaped as if still in good form when sixth at Ascot 6 weeks later, though will remain vulnerable to less-exposed sorts.

Pine Creek had some useful form to his name at up to 1¾m on Flat in France for Andre Fabre and progressive over hurdles this year, scoring in novices at Leicester and Doncaster. Open to more improvement.

First In The Queue returned to very best when runner-up in 2m Ascot handicap in November. Unsuited by conditions last 2 hurdle starts (third in jumpers' bumper at Kempton in between), but even so, others preferred.

Stormy Weather was a dual hurdles winner last season who made winning chasing debut at Wetherby (2m) in November. Has regressed over fences, but new headgear combination and return to timber may re-kindle his spark.

Tominator was a useful stayer on Flat who is progressing over hurdles, taking 17f Bangor novice in October and back on scoreboard in similar event over C&D last month. Type to do well now handicapping in this sphere.

Paintball returned from breathing op with career best to land this event 12 months ago. Hasn't come close to matching that in 5 starts since, but return to this venue may bring about a return to form.

Whitby Jack landed 2m Kempton handicap in January. Never looked like justifying support at Ascot next time, but back on track when runner up to Shammick Boy at Chepstow a fortnight ago, so folly to dismiss.

Solaras Exhibition was in form of his life in first half of last year, following up victories over hurdles at Sedgefield and Ffos Las with success on Flat at Chester. Should be better for recent pipe-opener on AW. 

Cayman Islands showed marked improvement when opening hurdling account at Musselburgh (2m) in January. Stamina stretched when runner-up over 2½m at that venue next time and unseated early at Towcester since.

Sporting Boy quickly climbed handicap ranks last year, winning 4 times, and there was enough in his sixth-place finish at Wetherby last week to suggest he'll remain competitive from this sort of mark.

Rockawango won listed hurdle at Auteuil in September and matched that form when second in 2m Ayr handicap on third start for this yard last month, though it's likely he'll find a few better treated here.

Barizan was a front-running Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler in 2010. Attitude took turn for worse after, but took advantage of drop in weights to beat Home Run in 17f Taunton handicap last time.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Tominator
2. Mr Mole
3. Kazlian

Timeform Verdict: Mr Mole got the better of subsequent Grade 1 winner Melodic Rendezvous earlier this term, and merits respect, while it would be no surprise to see Kazlian bounce back to form here, but it's the useful Flat performer Tominator who gets the vote, racing from a lenient-looking initial hurdles mark.

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.

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Imperial Cup Betting: Prince has chance to be crowned King

Tipping / Adam Brookes / 09 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Neil King's Cheshire Prince has each-way prospects in the Imperial Cup

"Cheshire Prince, who confirmed that his sixth at Aintree on his penultimate start was a promising run when winning at Sandown last time, has ran some of his best races in big fields and has realistic place claims."

The sponsors of the Imperial Cup offer the carrot of a £75,000 bonus should the winner go onto win a race at the Festival, but Saturday's handicap hurdle at Sandown is highly prestigious in its own right. Timeform's Adam Brookes looks over the field...

The betting reflects how competitive the race currently appears, but with Nicky Henderson suggesting that at least some of his four fancied runners might take up other engagements, prices of the market leaders are subject to change.

The favourite as things stand is the progressive Aegean Dawn, who is unbeaten over hurdles and produced his best performance last time when beating Mille Chief by four and a half lengths at Ascot. Aegean Dawn received 17 lb from Mille Chief that day and has gone up 26 lb as a result, so whilst he's likely to improve further, he'll have to in order to defy such a hefty rise.

The trainer has also has Swinton Hurdle winner Eradicate entered. However, Eradicate might just be handicapped up to his best at present, as for all that he has run well in two similar races this season, he's rather more exposed than a few in the field.

Owen Glendower has had only three starts over hurdles and remains open to progress, whilst dual novice chaser winner Giorgio Quercus is even more of an unknown quantity having not raced over hurdles since March 2009.

Martin Pipe won the Imperial Cup six times, collecting the bonus twice, and son David, who has won the race twice and landed the bonus with Gaspara in 2007, is doubly represented this year. Despite having gone up 12 lb for unseating in his last race, Arrayan had looked one of the most progressive handicap hurdlers around prior to that and has to be respected. The yard's other representative is Ronaldo des Mottes, who travelled well on his return behind Mille Chief in the Kingwell Hurdle, but will have to improve to concede weight to a number of improving horses.

Philip Hobbs won the race last year with Qaspal and the same horse is entered once more, despite not having had a race since. He has a 13 lb higher mark to contend with this year but remains unexposed and has to be considered. Stable-mate Pateese ran a game race on his first start in handicap company last time and should continue his progress with drying ground seemingly in his favour. However, he seemed to be comprehensively beaten by Via Galilei, who could take him on once more.

Via Galilei was impressive when winning the big handicap hurdle at Newbury on Saturday, producing a performance that marked him out as the one to beat in this race should he take his chance. Provided he's over his exertions, there is no reason why he shouldn't make his presence felt again as he's going to get the fast pace that suits his running style. Gary Moore also has Sire de Grugy entered, and he certainly has the ability to be very competitive in a race of this nature. However, he revelled in soft ground at Kempton last time and is unlikely to get those conditions on Saturday.

Alan King has two horses entered, but there's little doubt that his best chance is Trophy Hurdle fourth The Betchworth Kid. However, despite having the ability, he isn't a fault-free jumper and can often leave himself with a lot of ground to make up and, in such a competitive race, it isn't going to be easy for him.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has only a single entry, Tito Bustillo, who has just a fair chance of being involved. With speed his forte, it's difficult to imagine a large field suiting him, and he disappointed when well-fancied for the County Hurdle at last year's Festival.

The Irish last won the Imperial Cup in 2006 with Victram and are set to send two horses over at this stage. However, Prince of Fire, who has largely been seen novice chasing this year with little effect, and Alpine Eagle, who doesn't appear to be well-handicapped, might struggle to add to that victory.

Of the other horses close up in the betting, the maiden Fiulin has the most to prove and has never raced in a handicap. Whilst he could prove well-suited to such a race, his trainer couldn't have found a more competitive one to start him off in.

For those who look for each-way value, Cheshire Prince, who confirmed that his sixth at Aintree on his penultimate start was a promising run when winning at Sandown last time, has ran some of his best races in big fields and has realistic place claims. With the drying ground likely to place more emphasis on his speed, he should not be underestimated.

The free-going Alarazi looks to have a chance on ratings, as does Rebel Dancer, whilst a revitalised Numide was almost back to his best last time, which would give him place prospects should he run. Old Way is reasonably well-fancied according to the market, but is going to find this very different to the novice hurdles he's been running in, whilst Kangaroo Court has to put two falls over fences well behind him.

Recommendation

Back Arrayan to win in the Imperial Cup
Back Cheshire Prince for a win and place in the Imperial Cup

The sponsors of the Imperial Cup offer the carrot of a £75,000 bonus should the winner go onto win a race at the Festival, but Saturday's handicap hurdle at Sandown is highly prestigious in its own right. Timeform's Adam Brookes looks over the field......

Three selections for Wednesday's meeting at Naas......

Three selections for Leinster National day at Naas....

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Horseracing Betting Briefing: Imperial Cup the pre-Cheltenham highlight

Weekly Betfair Briefing / Timeform / 05 March 2011 / Leave a Comment

Do the Pipe's have something up their sleeve for the Imperial Cup?

"The Imperial Cup is a valuable handicap hurdle in its own right, but its attractiveness as a prize is enhanced by the bonus available to a horse than can win it and then follow up in any race at the Festival"

Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which very much has the feel of the calm before the storm, though on Saturday there is at least the Imperial Cup to look forward to...

Sunday March 6

It's National Hunt only on Sunday, with meetings at Huntingdon, Sedgefield and Naas.

Monday March 7

Ffos Las and Newton Abbot both host jumps cards on Monday, while it's Lingfield on the all-weather.

Tuesday March 8

Three meetings again in Britain on Tuesday, over jumps at Exeter and Newcastle and on the fibresand at Southwell.

Wednesday March 9

Catterick and Fontwell are the venues for Wednesday's jumping in Britain, while there is also an NH card in Ireland at Naas. There are a further two all-weather meetings, at Lingfield in the afternoon and Kempton in the evening.

Thursday March 10

Carlisle, Folkestone and Wincanton all host NH fixtures in Britain, as does Clonmel in Ireland. The day's solitary all-weather meetings takes place at Kempton.

Friday March 11

There are four National Hunt meetings in Britain on Friday, at Ayr, Leicester, Sandown and Wincanton, to go with the customary evening fixture on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

Saturday March 12

The highlight of the final Saturday before the Cheltenham Festival is the Imperial Cup meeting at Sandown. The Imperial Cup is a valuable handicap hurdle in its own right, but its attractiveness as a prize is enhanced by the bonus available to a horse than can win it and then follow up in any race at the Festival. The best race on the supporting card at Sandown is the always-competitive EBF Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final.

The day's other jumps meetings take place at Ayr and Chepstow, while there is all-weather action at Wolverhampton.

Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which very much has the feel of the calm before the storm, though on Saturday there is at least the Imperial Cup to look forward to......

The calm before the Cheltenham storm somewhat, but this week's action is set to feature some good horses and lots of opportunities to bolster you betting kitty for the Festival......

Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which starts with a strong card at Naas on Sunday and culminates with Racing Post Chase day at Kempton......

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Cheltenham Festival Betting: Make a mint by backing Imperial in the Gold Cup

Tipping / Keith Melrose / 05 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Imperial Commander and Kauto Star look set to cross swords for a third time in the Gold Cup

"With a year on his two main rivals and an excellent record in chases at Cheltenham... Imperial Commander is very much a justified favourite to defend his crown."

The Cheltenham showpiece; jumps racing's Blue Riband; the Gold Cup: whatever you call it, the feature on the last day of the Cheltenham Festival remains the most prestigious race at the most prestigious jumps meeting in the world. With six weeks to go until the big day, Keith Melrose takes a look at the main contenders.

I doubt it's passed you by, but it's worth reiterating that we're going through something of a golden age among the staying chasers. This time last year, we were celebrating how lucky we were to have the prospect of a dual Hennessy winner (Denman) and a bona fide legend of the turf (Kauto Star) toughing it out in the Gold Cup for the third consecutive year. Neither won in the end, but there's no doubting that Imperial Commander gatecrashed the party rather than ruined it, his seven-length beating of Denman almost on a par with Kauto Star's eye-watering performance in accounting for the same rival by thirteen lengths twelve months earlier.

A fragile horse in his younger days, Imperial Commander is still arguably best fresh, which is trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies' justification for sending him to Cheltenham directly from the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November (which he won in pleasing enough fashion from Tidal Bay), though he would apparently have run in the rearranged King George had the entries been opened back up. With a year on his two main rivals and an excellent record in chases at Cheltenham (five from six, including the Paddy Power and Ryanair alongside his Gold Cup triumph), Imperial Commander is very much a justified favourite to defend his crown.

Before his days as a seemingly perennial bridesmaid in the race, Denman was a Gold Cup winner himself, bulldozing his rivals, including an off-colour Kauto Star, into submission when taking the 2008 renewal. Although injury punctuated his campaign the following season, Denman has confirmed himself as good as ever over the last fifteen months, scoring his second Hennessy off top weight and finishing a creditable third from a BHA mark of 182 in the latest renewal of that race either side of his finishing runner-up to Imperial Commander. He is another who'll reportedly head straight to Cheltenham after his main autumn target, though with a solid record fresh Denman should have no fitness concerns and there seems no reason why he can't put up a bold show on his fourth attempt at the Gold Cup.

Ream upon ream of speculation and pontification has surrounded Kauto Star since he was foiled in his attempt to win a fifth consecutive King George last month, so there's little that this piece can offer which hasn't been said already. We really don't buy the excuse that Cheltenham suits Kauto Star better than Kempton these days but, if as suggested, infection was behind his reverse at Kempton, then current odds of [9.2] could prove tempting nearer the time, as the only member of Timeform House's editorial staff who can remember a better chaser will be drawing his pension in just over a year's time!

If any horse is to infiltrate the 'Big Three', then the figures dictate that Long Run is easily the most likely candidate. The Nicky Henderson-trained French bred put up a highly impressive performance in winning this season's King George VI Chase, producing a much-improved round of jumping to beat stablemate Riverside Theatre by twelve lengths. The manner in which Long Run has jumped on both tries around Cheltenham leaves some doubt, while he's still got something to find on Imperial Commander, Denman and a peak-condition Kauto Star, so the feeling is he's already short enough in the betting at [7.8].

The rest all have plenty to find on form, and the current prices of Pride of Dulcote [18.0] and Midnight Chase [25.0] in particular are pretty difficult to fathom with that considered, but if one is capable of bridging the gap we think it could be Diamond Harry. This corner of West Yorkshire has always been a stronghold of Diamond Harry support, right from his novice hurdling days, but even we've had to temper our enthusiasm from time to time in the face of the quirks he's displayed. Good things come to those who wait, however, and Nick Williams' charge finally revealed some of his latent talent when landing the Hennessy in November, jumping with aplomb and coping easily with Denman's turning up the pace (albeit in receipt of 26 lb) to beat Burton Port despite idling. With such a good record fresh and the prospect of more to come, Diamond Harry is a credible contender for top honours, though the odds of [11.0] currently on offer suggest we're by no means alone in that assertion.

If we learned anything from Festival Trials Day and Grands Crus' blistering performance in the Cleeve Hurdle, it's that there's no such thing as a 'banker' for a Festival Grade 1 with six weeks still to go. That said, such is the quality among the current crop of staying chasers that it's hard to envisage many permeating the upper echelons of the division, and those with the potential to do so have already had as much factored into their price. Therefore, we see no reason to look past Imperial Commander, who looks set to have everything in his favour as he bids for a second Gold Cup. We also think there is some value to be had about Denman, whose suitability to the course and colossal stature among his contemporaries are both assured.

Recommendations

Back Imperial Commander @ [4.9] and Denman @ [9.4] to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

There's a good quality card at Leopardstown in Ireland, but Musselburgh also features a couple of really interesting contests, including the Scottish Triumph Hurdle......

Timeform run the rule over the next week's racing, which starts with an all-star card at Leopardstown on Sunday and ends with another at Newbury on Saturday......

The Irish Hennessy meeting at Leopardstown is the last stepping stone before the Cheltenham Festival for many leading ante-post fancies from across the Irish Sea and the four Grade 1 events on the card all promise to be high-class renewals....

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