IMPERIAL LOOKS MINT FOR CUP

IMPERIAL AURA is the sponsor’s 6-1 jointfavourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday week after an impressive comeback victory at Carlisle yesterday.

But after watching his seven-year-old land the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase, trainer Kim Bailey warned punters to hold their bets.

“We’ve got lots to think about,” said Bailey. “The weights for the Paddy Power come out on Tuesday, but he’ll get a penalty, so I have to sit down and think where he’ll go. When I was watching, I couldn’t believe it when he came back on the bridle four out – I’m really pleased,” added the Andoversford handler, whose winner is 14-1 for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March.

■ BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY chief executive Nick Rust yesterday pledged to “fight hard” for owners to continue to attend race meetings after Britain goes back into COVID-19 lockdown on Thursday morning.