Imperial Aura vying for Paddy Power Gold Cup favouritism after smooth win

Imperial Aura confirmed his Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase victory at Cheltenham this year was no fluke with a comfortable triumph in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle.

The Kim Bailey-trained winner travelled powerfully throughout on his seasonal return to defeat Windsor Avenue by two and a half lengths under David Bass.

Sam Brown, who made most of the running was third, while Brewin'upastorm cruised nicely into contention before failing to see out the 2m4f trip on heavy ground and ultimately finished last of the six runners.

The 7-4 favourite joined an illustrious list of Colin Parker winners, with top-class trio Lostintranslation, Waiting Patiently and ill-fated Grand National hero Many Clouds among recent scorers.

A return to Cheltenham may be next for Imperial Aura, who was cut to 6-1 joint-favourite (from 8) for the Paddy Power Gold Cup by the sponsors.

Imperial Aura: jumped well on his return at CarlisleCredit: John Grossick Racing

Mat Nicholls, assistant trainer to Bailey, said: "That was impressive and we'll have to think about what to do. He's in the Paddy Power and he'd have a big weight in that but he's a Cheltenham horse.

"Last year's winner of this [Lostintranslation] went on to win the Betfair Chase, but I'm not convinced he wants to go up to three miles. He jumps better when he's going quicker and all options are open."

Officially rated 157 before the Colin Parker, the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase may be a long-term target down the line, for which he was substantially shortened to 12-1 (from 25) by Paddy Power.

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