WHAT A CORKER

Champagne can prompt wild celebrations after novice final

PUT the Champagne on ice for the EBF Novices’ Hurdle Final.

In-form trainer Ben Pauling has three runners in this competitive Sandown contest and CHAMPAGNE TWIST (1.50) is the pick of them.

He’s run only three times over hurdles but he doesn’t lack experience for this demanding race as he also ran three times in Irish point-to-points.

His final start in the amateur sphere was a winning one and he has been equally progressive since switching to hurdles.

There was a lot to like about his first two starts after joining Pauling and he won with lots up his sleeve at Doncaster at the end of January.

His proven stamina is a big positive. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1. Most bookies are paying out on five places.

The Betfair Imperial Cup is the big race on the card and GEORGI GIRL (2.25) looks to have a decent profile going into this prestigious prize.

She bolted up in the hurdles race for military amateur jockeys over this course and distance in January and she brushed aside a 10lb rise in the weights by following up at Kempton. Although the winning margin was only half a length, she did not get a smooth passage.

It was great to see her successfully come from off the pace around the sharp track at Kempton as horses ridden patiently have a great record in the Imperial Cup. Elizabeth Gale won on her last month and she is again in the saddle taking off her valuable 7lb claim.

Have 2pts each-way at 14-1. A couple of bookies are going six places.

I’VE MADEUPMYMIND

(3.00) made a promising debut when runner-up to a newcomer trained by Paul Nicholls in a strong mares’ bumper at Wincanton.

There’s a stack of stamina in her pedigree and the switch to a stiffer track on softer ground is just what she needs. She’s a four-year-old filly and that age group have four wins from just 16 runners since 2015.

Have 1pt each-way at 8-1. A couple of bookies are paying out on four places.