'Black' Saturday looms for any bookmaker taking my bet on the Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle over two miles of 'good to soft' Sandown Park this afternoon, Oliver Sherwood is on the prowl, again.
This resurgent, veteran, Lambourn trainer has enjoyed a golden season by previous standards; recently he sent out his thousandth career winner and three of those are credited to stable 'flagship' Many Clouds, a serious prospect for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next Friday, when the progressive eight-year-old attempts four consecutive victories.
In the meantime Rayvin Black and 5lbs conditional jockey Tom Garner will line up against twenty-three rivals for the �70000 Esher feature which has long been a real 'favourite' for another in the veteran stage, myself.
Two years ago 20/1 chance First Avenue was the latest winner yielded by my time-handicap; he's declared again but has no chance whatsoever if Rayvin Black and Garner are able to replicate their last effort, when third over two and a half miles of 'soft' Ascot in January.
Obviously I've 'combed' the field and reckon Rayvin Black has Paul Nicholls-trained Calipto to beat and that David Pipe's runner, four-year-old Bidourey could be anything; he'll be attempting the first leg of a bonus which culminates in a 'fifty grand' bonus for any horse able to win the 'Imperial' and a handicap hurdle during the Cheltenham Festival next week. The Pipe family have achieved it before.
With four places on offer our top-rated selection justifies an each-way punt which should put us in the 'Black!'
For what it's worth our fancy for the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle over two miles at Cheltenham next Tuesday is Jollyalan; if you place a bet with William Hill bookmakers they will credit all losing bets to the amount staked. That's an excellent offer and so, get on, now!
Seventh and final race on all weather programme on Wolverhampton Tapeta is the six-runner Maiden three year old Fillies' Stakes over a mile; thrice-raced La Dorotea should gain reward for consistency and go one better because Richard Fahey's charge is improving and 'best-in!'
Selections
3.10 Rayvin Black (e.w)
2.15 Glen Moss (e.w)
5.45 La Doroteaf