'It was a terrible race at Plumpton' - Gary Moore on his Imperial Cup favourite

Paddy Power Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

A handicap 'good thing' or a horse who's been unfairly treated for romping home against markedly inferior rivals in a five-runner Plumpton contest? We'll know at around 2.30pm.

Trainer Gary Moore is firmly in the second camp, although he won't be surprised if Natural History, ante-post favourite for the Paddy Power Imperial Cup, proves up to the task.

"I don't think he's well handicapped," Moore said. "It was a terrible race at Plumpton and a 16lb rise seems harsh.

"He was a very talented horse on the Flat, though, and I think he'll improve for the better ground and different track."

Natural History jumped fluently at Plumpton, and has come out of that race well. "He is in great order, and whether he is up to that mark we will only find out on Saturday," Moore said.

"He has got some proper Flat form in the book and a lot of horses like this have won the race. He is very streetwise and battle-hardened. He was very slick over his hurdles at Plumpton and jumps like an old handicapper.

"Whether he is good enough it is a case of fingers crossed."

Read a selection of our other Saturday tipping . . .

Pricewise: Tom Segal thinks the Imperial Cup market leaders can be taken on (Members' Club)

Saturday Sizzlers: Paul Kealy pinpoints a host of overpriced runners at Sandown (Members' Club)

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Saturday afternoon

Saturday's free racing tips: six horses to consider putting in your multiples

View From Ireland: sharp operator Peter Fahey fancied to warm up for festival in style (Members' Club)

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Miranda, Diego Du Charmil and Malaya
Malaya won the race two years ago. She's been a bit disappointing this season, but will like the better ground. Miranda keeps improving. She's got plenty of weight but we're taking a handy 7lb off. The drier the better for Diego Du Charmil. He's rated 8lb lower over hurdles than fences and has run some good races this season.

David Pipe: runs Leoncavallo and Eamon An CnoicCredit: Alex Davidson

David Pipe, trainer of Leoncavallo and Eamon An Cnoic
Leoncavallo has had a nice break since running in the Cesarewitch where he ran very well. He has been placed in a lot of these good two-mile handicaps and we hope he runs well again. Eamon An Cnoic likes softer ground and he won at the track the time before last.

Lucy Wadham, trainer of Miss Heritage
She keeps creeping up the handicap, but is one of those horses that always gives it a good go. Bryony Frost was claimed by Paul Nicholls, so we have got Richard Johnson, who is two out of three for us this season, so hopefully he will be our super-sub again.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of One True King
He's been in good form and has been very consistent all season. We like him a lot. I'd have thought a strong pace at this trip should suit him.

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Hang In There
He has taken a bit of time to come to himself and doesn't want the ground too soft. I've definitely got him in the best form I've had him all season and he is in a great place mentally. He is a tough little horse and has probably come down to a weight that gives him a good chance.

Evan Williams, trainer of Mack The Man
It's not really happened for him so far this season. He's got good course form, though, and we thought we'd have a crack.

Read a selection of our Saturday previews . . .

To win pounds for Cheltenham, you need to worry about pounds in hand at Sandown (Members' Club)

1.50 Sandown: Richard Birch believes a step up in trip will be key to his EBF Final fancy

Saturday Jury: 'I expect a big run from her' – broadcaster Oli Bell fancies one at Sandown (Members' Club)

2.05 Wolverhampton: strong field of specialists assemble for a rare opportunity in Lady Wulfruna

2.40 Wolverhampton: pedigree points to smart turf performer improving on the all-weather

3.35 Sandown: Keith Melrose with expert analysis on the race that made way at the festival

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets