Imperial Aura can rule in Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton
Imperial Aura is expected to f urther enhance his growing reputation with victory in the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton.
The Kalanisi gelding has undoubtedly benefited from the patience of Kim Bailey, wi t h t h e C h a mpion Hurdle and Gold Cup- winning trainer's decision to race his charge sparingly in the bumper sphere and as a novice hurdler paying dividends when he switched to fences last term.
While he was not in the very top bracket of novice chasers, a long- term plan came to fruition at the Cheltenham Festival as he justified favouritism i n t he now- defunct novice handicap chase.
At the beginning of this season Imperial Aura looked a strong candidate for high- profile handicaps like the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but he has t aken his game t o another level, with a comeback win at Carlisle followed by a dominant display in a Grade Two at Ascot. His revised mark of 163 makes him the highestrated horse in this field - and with just 11 career starts under his belt, there is every chance I mperial Aura has not yet reached his ceiling.
A quality card is strengthened by the addition of the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle, which was saved over f r om t he a bandoned New Year's Day fixture at Cheltenham. In what is a competitive affair, the vote goes to Tom
George's defending champion Summerville Boy.
It is notable that his last couple of wins have come over this intermediate trip of two and a half miles - in this race at Prestbury Park last year and on his reappearance at Aintree in early November.
It is difficult to look beyond l ong- t i me f avourite S ecret Reprieve in the rescheduled Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.
Evan Williams' charge absolutely bolted up here in early December and while the handicapper raised him 12lb for that, he is allowed to run under a 4lb penalty - despite the race being put back a couple of weeks.
The extra recovery time can only be a positive for his chances and with just 10st 1lb on his back, he looks primed to provide proud Welshman Williams with victory in a race he would dearly love to win.