I know it’s supposed to be a Cheltenham blog but I thought it would be no harm in throwing a little something in about this weekend’s racing highlight, The Paddy Power Imperial Cup this Saturday at Sandown.

This race is always a great precursor to Cheltenham, with the festival only four days away now, and gets punters in the mood.

This years renewal is an interesting one and has the bookies a little bit bamboozled with the field being laid at 8/1 generally, bar the warm favourite Mr. Mole who is ridden by A.P. McCoy currently priced at 7/2.

Punter’s eyes might light up when they see that last year’s winner Paintball is set to run again and attempt to regain his crown. However, looking down through his form, last year’s win looks like a bit of a flash in the pan. He has come last in his last three starts which would suggest that either the yard are trying to land a massive gamble tomorrow by stopping him or that he is just not right this year. My inkling would be the latter.

There are several notables in the race but the one I absolutely love is a grey gelding by the name of Tominator. This horse is a seasoned flat campaigner but with limited success and has recently switched codes to National Hunt, which is proving a lucrative move for connections with two wins from three starts over hurdles.

You can watch hime here winning the Nothumberland plate in 2011, running impressively from the back, and beating National Hunt achievers Overturn and Simenon.

I really like this horse and think he is absolutely cracking each way value at 8/1 generally (second fav). He also carries a lovely weight of 11 stone 1 pound, taking 8 pounds from the fav Mr. Mole carrying 11-9.

Sandown 15:15 : The Paddy Power Imperial Cup – Tominator E/W

Watch the video and make your own decision!!

Slán tamaillín,

T