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Imperial Cup Betting: Betfair and Timeform go head-to-head

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Betfair founder's horses take on Halifax syndicate in last big jumps race before Festival

Today's Imperial Cup at Sandown brings together one of the strongest partnerships in racing - Betfair and Timeform.

Three horses with links to both companies will run in the last big race over obstacles before Cheltenham.

Betfair founder Andrew 'Bert' Black has shares in two of the protagonists in the Imperial Cup - Mon Michel and Prince Ary - while a number of Timeform employees have shares in the Ipso Facto syndicate who own Smoothly Does It (Simon Walker, Timeform's Editorial Manager, runs the syndicate).

It may be Betfair vs Timeform, but it's also David vs Goliath - Mon Michel cost 120,000 gns, whilst Smoothly Does It was claimed for just £6,000!

Bert said: "I'm very hopeful about Mon Michel.

"We've always known he has talent but he's taken a while to show it - I think he's still progressing and I'm expecting a bold show.

"Prince Ary had a long hard campaign ending in October and earned his rest. He's had a small wind operation and I'm told he's very well in himself. He'll like the ground and his price is way too long.

"I wish the Timeform boys luck with Smoothly Does It, who looks like another good buy."

Simon said: "It's a hot, hot race and, after a quick glance, I'll be happy with finishing in the top six.

"We're just excited that the little rat is giving us a chance to run in such a good race.

"We could do with a little help from the weather really, as softer ground would undoubtedly help. He'll certainly be getting a shout or two if he's got any sort of a chance between the last two hurdles.

"Hopefully, Bert will pick up some prize-money - for second and third. Us Halifax lads need it more!"