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On the weekend before the Festival, where the racing is at best very average, there
is at least that little oasis in the Imperial Cup. To me I’ll always associate the
race with that wily old fox Martin Pipe who had bookies bricking their pants when
he declared one, especially if it had been previously been running a little under
the radar. Pipe (Snr) won it 6 times, and knocked off the bonus with Olympian and
Blowing wind going on to win at the Festival a few days later. Pipe (Jnr) has done
well enough, if not quite matching the old man, winning 3 times and adding the bonus
when Gaspara won the fred Winter in 2007.David Pipe obviously hopes he can rekindle the flames of the old days with Main Fact.
He’s won his last 3 on the bounce, and last time out it was a bloodless 10L win at
Ffos Las, although he probably didn’t beat very much. Nonetheless, and although it’s
some time since the Pipe domination of this race, he is progressing and I’d doubt he
will be the 20/1 he is today when the tapes go up.Mack The Man is at the head of the market, a 5/1 shot, and it’s easy enough to
understand why with his huge improvement in form last back end with 2 decent wins, one
over C/D and and I reckon this has been the plan since then. He was still going well
enough last time out when coming down at the last in the Betfair Hurdle 3 weeks back.
Evan Williams has been in sparkling form this year.Despite the obvious chances of the above 2, I’m going elsewhere here.
Christopher Wood 10/1 Coral is a horse I’ve always liked, although he has disappointed
and cost me on a couple of occassions. He had a 2nd wind operation and looked like the
horse I thought he was when he hosed up at Musselburgh last month. The handicapper hasn’t
missed him and stuck him up 10lbs, but he had been falling down the ratings and I reckon
this has just got him back up to where he should be. With further improvement he may even
have a bit in hand. I think he has every chance here despite carrying top weight.Front View 20/1 5 places Paddy Power If I was keen on the chances of CW, I’m absolutely
mad on the chances of front View. He has won 2 of his last 4, and it could easily have been
3 out of 4 if he hadn’t encountered a fair bit of interference last time out. He ran on again
but the winner had already flown. His other 2nd was behind Envoi Allen, and what price would
he be in this. I reckon that’s as good as a win. I think he looks a very progressive sort, and
Joseph O’Brien might not be a Martin Pipe, but he’s working on it. I think the 20/1 is very
overly generous 5 places with Paddy Power. I’ve had a right bite at that and I think if he does
appear here he will be in single figures.Plenty more to make cases for, and it’s always ultra competative, so very best of luck
Christopher Wood 10/1 Coral
Front View 20/1 5 places Paddy Power
BigG i’d say Front View would be favourite for this if he was to turn up. Based on the price i imagine that’s a good sign he won’t be though.
Perhaps Entoucas will though? He’s 10s vs FW 20s (with PP) which is clearly telling.
He’s been quite frustrating to follow having ran very close in a few maidens but then disappointing in others where you’d have fancied him to have won. He travels really well in his races and i think a big handicap will suit him nicely. He’s 131 in Ire so a 5pd increase isn’t too bad.
I wouldn’t think he’s one of their “main” Cheltenham festival handicap fancies, but one that could surprise. Off 136 though he’s not certainty to get in most races? So here seems logical?
Not a bad play at 14s, if that existed but RP’s prices are old….11s now.
Twitter: Jackh1092
Hindsight is 20/20 so make the most of it!I gave that some serious thought Jack before I stuck on my bet, and although JP isn’t
exactly short of a few bob, the £100,000 bonus isn’t to be sniffed at. I watched the
odds shortening on him and Ladbrokes, who have been said to have a bit of an ear with
the O’Briens, slashed him to 9s. It’s a risk, but as you say if he does turn up he would
have to be towards the head of the market. My money is down so all i can do is wait and
see now
Good luck with Entoucas, he looked smart last time out
Couple of outsiders for me.
Speredek ran well for a long way in this last year off the best part of a stone higher, and can throw in some very good runs. Hasn’t won as often as I’d like, but I’d hope for a run for my money here, and ground shouldn’t be an issue.
I’ve watched Man Of Plenty for a while now, thankfully only having bet him once, but he’s another with course form, another who’ll like the ground, and will come here having been given a chance by the handicapper. Trainer can land these prizes, and he’s another who looks too big for me.
Bullionaire is another who catches the eye.
Man of Plenty 40’s
Speredek 33’s
Both EW 5 PlacesAt the Belfast Preview night last night, Blake didn’t mention anything about the Imperial Cup for Front View when asked about him. I’d have thought he would have if it was in their plans. Entoucas wasn’t mentioned at all on the preview.
Twitter: Jackh1092
Hindsight is 20/20 so make the most of it!Yes that leaves a qustion mark about them Jack. Not a lot more we can do now anyway
except wait and see.I’m really keen on Jolly’s Cracked It at 20-1.
I might add Malaya on Saturday as a small extra.Totally agree VTC with regard to Man of Plenty. Followed this horse for the last few years and it may be 11 but has run well in these races in the past. Down to it’s lowest mark for ages and Brennan on board. Trainer has normally put a good conditional up but think the horse may have been aimed at this for a while, as he hasn’t run for a couple of months (normally races pretty frequently). Hard to see him winning but will be held up dead last and pick them off up the straight and possibly run into a place.
Just need it to be on now Wurzel, but I’m hopeful of getting a run for my money if it is.
Racing at Sandown is abandoned today and tomorrow.
What a shame. I have always enjoyed Imperial Cup day.
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