We've teamed up with Weatherbys to previous Saturday's big betting heat - the Matchbook Imperial Cup at Sandown.
2.25 Sandown - Matchbook Imperial Cup
TRENDS
- 10/10 - No more than 2 wins over hurdles
- 10/10 - Rated between 124 & 133
- 9/10 - Carried 10-13 or less
- 8/10 - Run during February
- 8/10 - Had 8 or fewer starts over hurdles (6 of the 8 were novices)
- 7/10 - Won at right-handed track over hurdles
BETTRENDS SELECTION: Monsieur Lecoq
LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mr Antolini
The presence of the high-class Call Me Lord gives this year’s Imperial Cup a rather lopsided look, with those who come out best on the trends all racing from out of the handicap.
The three that come out best are – like 6 of the past 10 winners – lightly-raced novices, with Benny’s Bridge being one. He is 8lb 'wrong' at the weights, however, so it can pay to focus on Extra Mag and MONSIEUR LECOQ.
Both have looked decent prospects since arriving from France and both travel as though they will be suited by a strongly-run race. The latter just has the edge having won over course-and-distance in handicap company and he clearly handles testing ground, should conditions deteriorate further.
Further up the weights, Solomon Grey is another for the shortlist, given how he travelled through the Lanzarote Hurdle last time. The drop in trip on easier ground shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
Bettrends 1-2:
1. MONSIEUR LECOQ
2. EXTRA MAG
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