MICK MAESTRO is fancied to spring an upset in the Paddy Power Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (2.25) at Sandown Park this afternoon.
Although he’s had no more than 11 starts over obstacles, the eight-year-old has been in the care of three trainers – Tom George, Alan King and now Lincolnshire-based Nick Kent.
The son of Air Chief Marshal, who has an entry in Cheltenham’s County Hurdle next Friday – he’ll net a £50,000 bonus if he could do the double, has collected twice since moving to Brigg.
Having scored at Doncaster at the end of November, Charlie Todd’s mount came down three out at Town Moor a fortnight later.
But Mick Maestro romped home by 15 lengths at Catterick Bridge three days before the turn of the year and, off course for 55 days prior to a last-time-out third to Kim Bailey’s progressive Ajero at Market Rasen on February 21, he should be razor sharp for today.
Saturday selections
SANDOWN PARK
1.15 VOLKOVKA
1.50 SAM BARTON
2.25 MICK MAESTRO
3.00 RAINYDAY WOMAN
3.35 ADMIRAL BARRATRY
4.10 BOUGHTBEFORELUNCH
4.45 FIVE STAR GETAWAY
HEREFORD
2.17 MISTERSISTER
2.52 ALKOPOP
3.27 FURIOUSLY FAST
4.02 MARRACUDJA
4.37 MASKADA
5.12 SLIPWAY
5.45 FRISCO BAY
WOLVERHAMPTON
11.45 NORTONTHORPE BOY
12.20 REQUINTO DAWN
12.55 PUNTING (NAP)
1.30 FIORDLAND
2.05 HIGHLAND DRESS
2.40 TADLEEL (NB)
3.15 SUMMERGHAND
3.50 DESERT FRIEND
4.25 BERT KIBBLER
AYR
1.57 PAMMI
2.32 WIND OF HOPE
3.07 CASH TO ASH
3.42 CORRIEBEN REIVER
4.30 TAMAR BRIDGE
4.55 PISTOL PARK
5.30 TRAVAIL D’ORFEVRE
CHELMSFORD CITY
5.20 GREEN PLANET
5.50 SPRING ROMANCE
6.20 MARAAHEQ
6.50 ROCK EAGLE
7.20 JACK THE TRUTH
7.50 STORM MELODY
8.20 MACK THE KNIFE
