Imperial Cup: read what connections have to say

High-class Flat performer Mondo Man gets another chance to claim a major prize over obstacles in the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday.

The five-year-old was fifth in the French Derby and fourth behind Calandagan at Royal Ascot in the summer of 2024, since when he has crossed the Channel to join the father-son training partnership of Gary and Josh Moore.

He has largely been campaigned over hurdles since, placing behind the likes of Lulamba and Mambonumberfive before finishing fourth on his handicap debut at Ascot before Christmas.

Mondo Man finally got off the mark when making the most of a gilt-edged opportunity at Plumpton and connections are hoping that leaves him well placed to make his presence felt in the traditional pre-Cheltenham Festival feature.

“He won a very weak race the other day, but it might have done his confidence a lot of good and he’s come out of it great,” said Josh Moore.

“It was really horrible ground when he ran at Ascot before Christmas and he didn’t enjoy it. Hopefully the sun keeps shining at Sandown and they don’t get too much rain, as he wouldn’t want sticky, tacky ground – that would be a negative for his chances.

“Nothing has gone to plan for him yet over hurdles, but hopefully that Plumpton race was a confidence booster for him.”

Another horse making a swift return to action is the Neil King-trained Rubber Ball, who was an impressive winner at Newbury last weekend.

King, who has struck gold with six of his last eight runners, said: “He bounced out of his last race in good order. He did have a freshen up before Newbury, so we’ll roll the dice and see how we go at Sandown.

“All the horses are in super form, so now is the time to do it if we can.”

Go Dante has won the last two editions of the Imperial Cup for Olly Murphy, but will need to bounce back from a couple of disappointing efforts if he is to become the first horse in history to win the £100,000 contest – which carries an additional £100,000 bonus if the winning horse can follow up at Cheltenham next week – for a third time.

Murphy, who also saddles top-weight Fingle Bride, said: “Go Dante is a few pounds higher than last year, but he loves the track and hopefully with a bit of luck in running he’ll run well again.

“Fingle Bridge did too much at Warwick the last day, so we’re dropping back in trip on a stiff track.

“He’s certainly good horse with a big engine and hopefully a run in a handicap the last day will have sharpened him up again. He should go there with a chance.”

Wreckless Eric was a half-length second to Go Dante 12 months ago, but has similarly struggled since.

AJ O’Neill, who trains the six-year-old in partnership with his father Jonjo, said: “Wreckless Eric obviously had a slightly different profile going into the race last year, when he ran an absolute blinder to finish second.

“We’ve yet to really find that form since, but he likes Sandown and hopefully the way this race is run suits, so hopefully he can put his best foot forward.

“We’re putting the cheekpieces on him for the first time so hopefully that will bring about a bit of improvement. If he can run the same race as last year you’d be absolutely delighted.”

The O’Neills have a second string to their bow in We’re Red And Blue, who AJ believes could outrun his big odds.

He added: “He actually ran in the race last year as well and finished eighth, but he was only beaten five lengths.

“He’s probably a physically stronger horse this year and I think that bit of time is probably why he’s shown improvement in his last couple of races.

“It’s a competitive race, but hopefully he can run another big one.”