Imperial Leader has become dangerously well-treated and at 6/1 rates the best bet on today’s Market Rasen card now eased significantly in grade (4.10).
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ gelding has some smart form smart form to his name as a novice back in 2012, beating the now 146-rated Ballyalton by three lengths at Southwell to open his account over hurdles before going on to finish a solid 5 1/2 length fourth of eight to the now 155-rated Melodic Rendezvous at Cheltenham.
Imperial Leader was then far from disgraced when third to Chiberta King in a decent novice hurdle at Newbury and was allotted an opening handicap mark of 134.
The seven-year-old has not managed to get his head in front in eight subsequent starts, but did run well to be placed on two occasions last season in competitive contests at Ascot at Exeter behind Irish Saint and Fingals Bay off 128 and 129 respectively.
Imperial Leader is now able to run off a career-low mark of 123 and that gives him a
huge shout at the weights on the pick of his form.
Although pulled-up at Sandown in January on his return to action after a 267 day lay-off, that was a class 1 contest and this class 3 affair is nowhere near as competitive.
Imperial Leader was also heavily-backed into 5/1 jt-second fav for the Sandown race, suggesting that connections believe he retains ability.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win Imperial Leader (6/1 bet365, Sky Bet, William Hill – BOG)
