Betting
DECISION MADE? Cheltenham winner Imperial Alcazar’s 2022 Festival route seemingly decided
Fergal O’Brien confirms Imperial Alcazar is likely to be favoured for the Paddy Power Plate next week
Imperial Alcazar will likely head to the Paddy Power Plate next Thursday over his other three entries, trainer Fergal O’Brien has said.
The imposing son of Vinnie Roe won over track-and-trip on Trials Day under regular rider Paddy Brennan, and will be unlikely to make the step up in distance for the Ultima with owners already likely to be represented by Fantastikas.
That was his first success over fences, having twice finished runner-up previously, and he will look to bounce back from the disappointment in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle last term.
And that performance is pleasing enough to suggest his chances lie better in the Grade 3 handicap following the events of the Stayers’ Hurdle on the third and penultimate day.
O’Brien told At The Races: “We’re looking towards the Plate on Thursday. That seems to be where we are heading at the minute.
“Fingers crossed he’s in great form. He had an away day yesterday (Monday) and we’re very pleased with him.”
Earlier in the day, however, Ravenswell Farm will saddle Allaphilipe in the Pertemps on the back of his qualifying effort at Warwick last month.
“He’s going for the Pertemps. We’re very happy with big Phil,” O’Brien confirmed.
“He’s only had the one run this year, but hopefully that will have brought him spot on.
“He was just a little short. Paddy said he blew up on the turn into the straight. We were happy with the run, it got him qualified and it was job done so we’re looking forward to running him.”
