Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Go Dante is Imperial Cup choice
GO Dante can finally land the big prize he has long been promising in the Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown this afternoon.
Olly Murphy has always held this eight-year-old in high regard, so much so he was given a shot at Grade One company when finishing fourth in the Challow Hurdle a couple of years ago.
Go Dante then spent more than a year on the sidelines, winning one of his four starts last term, before returning this season with an encouraging sixth in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham, where Champion Hurdle-bound Iberico Lord was just far too good, beating him 15 lengths.
However, he looked good value for a length-and-a-quarter victory over Doddiethegreat subsequently, before he clashed again with Iberico Lord in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.
That rival again had his measure, although Go Dante almost halved the distance between them in coming home third, and a similar effort would put him right in the mix for this prize, particularly if the ground rides on the easier side.
Heros, meanwhile, appears to be on the upgrade for Venetia Williams ahead of the Betfair Serial Winners
Fund Novices’ Handicap Chase. He did not show too much over hurdles last term, but switched to fences this year, he is a different proposition in winning two of his five starts.
Taunton victories in November and December were followed by thirds at Aintree and Wincanton, with a change to waiting tactics at the latter venue not appearing to suit at all. Returned to a more prominent role at Wetherby last time, Heros was beaten just a neck in a photo despite being carried across the track on the run to the line, so his effort could be upgraded.
Crazierthandaisy can take a huge leap forward from her debut run to claim Listed honours in the British Stallion Studs EBF Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
A beautifully-bred daughter of Walk In The Park, Crazierthandaisy bumped into two more experienced rivals at Huntingdon in January, being beaten less than a length and looking a certain future winner.
This is a tougher test, but Nicky Henderson knows what is required.
Valadon is on course for a hat-trick in the Betfair Racing Podcasts Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Beaten just over five lengths first time up by the Triumph Hurdle contender Salver, Valadon has won two subsequent starts at Exeter and Newbury, with his narrow winning margins ensuring the handicapper could not be too hard on him.
Subsequent winner Wreckless Eric was a three-quarter-length second to the selection in that Newbury heat, giving the form a solid feel.
Elsewhere, Shouldvebeenaring is a worthy favourite on his return to action in the BetMGM Lady Wulfruna Stakes at Wolverhampton.
He showed he can win first time up last season when triumphing at Southwell on the first of what was to be 12 starts in 2023. Those dozen runs encompassed Group One assignments, with his last two of the year producing a narrow Sprint Cup second and a close-up third in the Prix de la Foret. The ratings put him well ahead of his rivals here, so it will be disappointing if he cannot prevail.