Saturday 11th March 2017

It’s Imperial Cup day at Sandown this afternoon. This race will always be a favourite of mine, we won it in 2015 with Ebony Express. 13 runner’s line-up today in what looks a very weak renewal. 23 horses took their chance in 2015. The likes of, Thistlecrack, Camping Grounds, Wicklow Brave, Ravin Black and Gassin Golf all finished behind us.

Ebony Express is now back in full training after injury and going well, he’ll be up and running in July.

I’m not betting today and will be waiting for Cheltenham. A few more bets I’ve placed for the Festival are below:

I backed Defi Du Seuil for the Triumph Hurdle around 6 weeks ago, and can’t see many dangers. You’re not going to get rich betting him now at 15-8 but he should take all the beating. I’ve already highlighted my thoughts for the Gold Cup in previous weeks. I hold a nice antepost voucher for Native River at 7-1 and wouldn’t swap if for anything in the race.

In the Mares Hurdle I’ll be surprised if Willie Mullins runs both Limini and Vroum Vroum Mag, the likely hood is Limini will take her chance in this race. Either way I’m keen on Apple’s Jade. Limini beat Apple’s Jade last time out but that was on bad ground. With the forecast set fair for next week I think Apple’s Jade can gain her revenge where it matters most.

We’ll know more on the handicaps and what goes where in the next 48 hours. I’ve spoken with all our trainer’s bar David Pipe who I’m speaking with today. Some interesting comments have already been passed on, this info will be for shareholders only however.