Weekend racing preview - tips and analysis from Racing Post experts

Sandown Park stages an informative seven-race card in which the feature contest is the Imperial Cup. Sponsor Paddy Power are offering any horse a £100,000 bonus if they win Saturday’s contest and any race at the Cheltenham Festival. The market for the two-mile event is currently headed by the unexposed Mack The Man. Trained by Evan Williams, the six-year-old was running on strongly when brought-down at the final fence in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last time out and given his proven form on testing ground, he makes plenty of appeal.

Others to mention include Dostal Phil who was an easy winner at Fontwell on his latest start and Shakem Up’Arry who is owned by Harry Redknapp and finished a fine second to Cheltenham Festival contender Shishkin at Newbury last time out. Nicholashayne handler David Pipe trained Gaspara to land the £100,000 bonus in 2007 when following up in the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham three days after winning at Sandown. He runs the progressive Main Fact who has won his last four starts and could still be ahead of the handicapper off a mark of 123.

Wolverhampton stages its richest raceday on Saturday with the £50,000 Listed Lady Wulfruna Stakes taking centre-stage. Kevin Frost is set to saddle talented seven-year-old Documenting who has winning form at Wolverhampton and ran well at the track when finishing second last time out. Other notable entries include the Archie Watson-trained Glen Shiel who scored at Newcastle in January and is still progressing, whilst Richard Hannon’s Urban icon could make his return to action, having not been seen since finishing third at Listed company at Newmarket in July.

Weekend top tip:

Mack The Man (5/1) is well-regarded by Evan Williams and was running a big race in the Betfair Hurdle when falling at the final flight. He is still upwardly mobile and has plenty of progression left in him.

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