Ladbrokes Hurdle: hopes for on-a-roll Impero

Impero is on course to bid for a four-timer in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Hurdle at Ascot for trainer Cian Collins.

The five-year-old has made a strong start to his National Hunt career since switching codes from the yard of Michael Cleary to Collins in September.

His debut for the Navan-based handler saw him finish second in a Listowel handicap hurdle before he tasted victory for the first time at the 19th attempt after a fruitless 17-race career on the Flat.

Making all in the hands of Jordan Gainford in a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick he pulled clear in the final furlong to score by seven lengths.

He followed that up at Cheltenham when Danny Gilligan steered him to a three-quarters-of-a-length victory over Norman Fletcher after hitting the front over the final flight.

Impero defied a 6lb rise to complete his hat-trick when again making all and pulling clear to win a novice hurdle by seven lengths at Musselburgh most recently.

Despite the rise in grade this weekend, Collins is confident there is more to come from his charge.

Collins said: “He seems in good form and he’s an improving horse so hopefully he can be competitive in that race on Saturday.

“It is a step up in grade for him (on Saturday) but I don’t think he can have been any more impressive at Musselburgh and a strong gallop would suit him. I think the race is going to suit him.

“He settled in very well with us and he’s just enjoying it. He loves jumping so hopefully we can get a little bit of improvement out of him on Saturday.

“We look forward to Saturday and that’s been the aim since he won at Cheltenham. We’ll get over that hurdle first and then see where we go.”