One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Trainer

Gary Moore is gearing up for a huge day next week with Goshen in Tuesday's Unibet Champion Hurdle, but his attention will directed towards Sandown on Saturday as Natural History goes for the Paddy Power Imperial Cup (2.25).

The six-year-old was rated 101 on the Flat before switching to hurdles in January and got off the mark in his new discipline with a 15-length success at Plumpton earlier this month.

Moore has already showcased ability to convert high-class Flat horses to jumps, with Goshen being his most high-profile success in that regard, and Natural History looks another serious talent.

Jockey

With the jockeys' championship beginning to heat up it will be worth keeping a close eye on how Brian Hughes fares with his six rides at Ayr.

The champion jockey announced his intention to skip Cheltenham in favour of opting for rides elsewhere with a stronger chance of winning and could enter next week on a roll if taking any of the several excellent opportunities he has on Saturday.

Brian Hughes: looking to get a jump on his rivals in the jockeys' championship raceCredit: John Grossick

Pistol Park looks to have a favourite's chance in the 2m½f handicap chase (4.55), while Capard King (3.07), Mayo Star (3.42) and Sergeant Brody (2.32) all look big players in their respective races.

Horse

The EBF Final at Sandown (1.50) has been won by McFabulous and Third Wind in the last two seasons and there is reason to believe Karl Philippe can follow in their footsteps.

After two narrow runner-up finishes to begin his hurdles career, the six-year-old blitzed nine rivals at Exeter last month and will surely prove far better than his current mark of 130 before long.

Fergal O'Brien has had an excellent season thus far and another notable success here would set his yard up perfectly for next week's Cheltenham Festival.

Race

The Paddy Power Imperial Cup at Sandown (2.25) is always highly competitive and this year will be no different thanks to a field brimming with unexposed and talented contenders.

Malaya, successful in the race in 2019, is one of three in the field for champion trainer Paul Nicholls along with impressive Doncaster winner Miranda and the mercurial Grade 1 scorer Diego Du Charmil.

The unexposed pair of Natural History and Langer Dan are heading in the right direction, while seasoned campaigners like Leoncavallo and Eamon An Cnoic will surely give the youngsters plenty to think about.

If you want more on the big upcoming races . . .

Natural History 3-1 favourite in final field of 15 for Sandown's Imperial Cup

Thyme Hill to miss Stayers' Hurdle clash with Paisley Park due to 'minor' injury

Lame Energumene out of big Arkle showdown with Shishkin at Cheltenham

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