Today’s ITV races, by Chris Cook
Sometimes I have to rein in my natural inclination to back something other than the favourite, because, let’s face it, quite a few of them win. But there is simply no chance of persuading me that supporting Fix Le Kap at 11-2 is the smart thing to do in today’s Imperial Cup.
For a race that seems bound to turn into a slog on this testing Sandown ground, his credentials are not strong. At five, he is the joint-youngest in the race and hasn’t been seen for a full year, so fitness is bound to be a concern, even though he comes from the excellent stable of Nicky Henderson. In addition, he carries top weight and was beaten 10 lengths on his only previous try in a handicap.
Now that I’ve indulged in this list of unattractive details, I dare say he’ll win eased down. But London Prize (3.00) at 10-1 appeals more. A useful handicapper on the Flat, he was backed for the Scottish County Hurdle last month, his first handicap race over jumps, and was going well until falling four out.
He has since run second to a Godolphin beast in a decent all-weather race and clearly remains in good heart. Well treated and from the Ian Williams yard that remains in form, London Prize has it in him to take this.
William H Bonney is passed over with some regret, as his Newbury flop last time probably came too soon after his Cheltenham success and he can go well. Gassin Golf is also respected, having been placed in this race for the last two years, though his trainer, Kerry Lee, is having a frustrating run.
1.50 Sandown Jonjo O’Neill’s stable finally seems to be hitting form, just in time for Cheltenham, a fact that may be illustrated by Lithic. He beat only five rivals at Huntingdon but did so in style and a 5lb penalty may not trouble him.
2.05 Wolverhampton Unbeaten in two runs here, Nimr ground down Russian Soul late on last time and should now appreciate the extra furlong.
2.25 Sandown O’Neill could complete a quick double with Upswing, who has been hard to win with but responded well to first-time cheekpieces when third at Kempton last time. Though beaten nine lengths after a badly timed late mistake, he looked capable of better that day.
3.15 Wolverhampton Gelded since an erratic display in victory at Ascot in October, Yuften may finally be about to make good on his longstanding promise. He finished second in a Group One three years ago.
3.35 Sandown Martello Park is a half-sister to Martello Tower, who won a Festival Grade One for the same stable. She hosed up on heavy going at Thurles last time and looks a danger to all here.
Tips for all Saturday races, by Chris Cook
Ayr 2.10 Progress Drive 2.45 Pistol Park 3.20 No No Mac 3.55 One For Harry 4.30 Alizee De Janeiro 5.05 The Bishop 5.35 McGowan’s Pass
Chelmsford 5.45 Randall’s Alannah 6.15 Himalayan Queen 6.45 Muqaatil 7.15 Dreaming Time 7.45 Dubai Waves 8.15 General Hazard 8.45 Hannington 9.15 Muzaahim
Hereford 1.40 Golden Investment 2.15 Never Learn 2.50 Crown Hill 3.25 Yalltari 4.00 Plaisir D’Amour 4.35 Arden Denis 5.10 Lovenormoney
Sandown 1.20 Hygrove Percy 1.50 Lithic (nap) 2.25 Upswing 3.00 London Prize 3.35 Martello Park (nb) 4.10 Willie Boy 4.45 Twenty Eight Guns
Wolverhampton 1.30 Summerinthecity 2.05 Nimr 2.40 Boost 3.15 Yuften 3.50 First Moon 4.25 Bowson Fred 5.00 Tartan Bute
