Imperial Aura

Imperial Aura did well to finish third in the Silver Trophy. He settled in fourth place early on behind a fast pace that The Knot Is Tied set. Rider David Bass left a good gap between himself and the leading trio, but there was also a good break back to the fifth horse, and the pace was very strong.

Kim Bailey's horse moved easily into third place as they raced down the back straight, and he moved into the lead as they rounded the home turn, where he was quickly challenged by Indefatigable. He wasn't given any respite.

He moved on again on the run to the third last flight, but he got in tight to that flight and surrendered the lead to Flash The Steel, and suddenly looked like a tired horse. He stuck to his task though, he kept on bravely over the last and up the run-in to retain third place.

He did well to keep on as well as he did, given that he raced close to a really fast pace. The winner and runner-up were held up early on, and the early leader was pulled up, while the two horses who raced prominently with him from early faded to finish 12th and 14th of the 14 finishers.

Winner of a bumper at Ludlow in April 2018, Imperial Aura showed his talents as a novice hurdler last season, winning in his seasonal debut at Carlisle in October and winning again at Newcastle in February. This was his first run since so, while he was nicely backed, he should come on for it. Also, it was just his third run over hurdles and his fifth under all codes, so he has lots of potential for progression. His trainer has been patient with him, and that patience could be rewarded this season. He handled the soft ground well on Saturday, and he won his bumper on soft, but his win at Carlisle was on good ground, so he is obviously versatile. The handicapper raised him by 3lb for Saturday's run, but he has the potential to go a fair way beyond his new mark of 136.

Chepstow, 12^th October 2019

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