'Awesome' Imperial Aura excites Kim Bailey ahead of Cheltenham prep run

Imperial Aura (David Bass) jumps the last fence and wins the Chanelle Pharma 1965 ChaseAscot 21.11.20 Pic: Edward Whitaker/ Racing Post

Imperial Aura: runs in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Silviniaco Conti Chase on SaturdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kim Bailey is hoping Imperial Aura can build on an "awesome" performance at Ascot in November and cement his Cheltenham Festival claims in Saturday's Grade 2 Ladbrokes Silviniaco Conti Chase.

Already a winner at Cheltenham in March, Imperial Aura was among 50 entries revealed on Thursday for the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase, which remains his most likely festival target, although Bailey and owners the Imperial Racing Partnership have covered all bases with a berth in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup too.

A best-priced 7-1 second favourite with SkyBet and Betfred for the Ryanair and a 40-1 shot with Betfair Sportsbook for the Gold Cup, Imperial Aura has given Bailey no cause for concern since his career-best success in the 1965 Chase at Ascot and is set to face Master Tommytucker, Riders Onthe Storm and Clondaw Castle over 2m4½f at Kempton on Saturday.

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Lewis PorteousReporter

Published on 7 January 2021inNews

Last updated 19:10, 7 January 2021

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