West Wizard looks potentially very well-treated on handicap debut in the Imperial Cup at Sandown today (3.10) and makes plenty of appeal at 9/1.
The Nicky Henderson trained gelding looked the real deal when making a winning debut in a bumper at Kempton back in March 2013, travelling strongly throughout before taking up the running on the bit two from home and sauntering six lengths clear of the usel and now 135-ratedThe Pirate’s Queen.
The five-year-old won with any amount in hand, and it was a performance which saw him installed as ante post favourite for last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before he had even jumped a hurdle in public.
However things didn’t go to plan on his debut over the obstacles when the son of King’s Theatre got turned over at 1/6 and beaten five lengths into second by Sgt Reckless at Kempton in November 2013.
The form is strong though as winner went on to fionish fourth to Vautour in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham Festival and is rated 144 over hurdles and the pair pulled 38 lengths clear of the third
West Wizard was then beaten on his comeback run after 364 days on the sidelines when a 7 length runner-up to ASrzal at Kempton, but he travlled strongly for much of the contest on despoerate ground which didn’t suit and now meets the winner on 7lb better terms.
The selection has since gone on to finish runner-up, again at Kempton on soft ground, to Minella Rocco and the winner ihas since bolted up on the bridle at Newbury in the manner of a very exciting prospect and is already rated 145.
All the aforementioned makes West Wizard’s opening mark of 132 look very exploitable. especially as the drying ground and strong pace in this contest will suit.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way West Wizard (9/1 Boylesports, Paddy Power, William Hill – BOG, 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5)
