A sign of things to come? Suprise Package lands Irish blow in Imperial Cup

Saturday: Sandown

As far as omens go, this was as bad as they get for British trainers hoping to take on the Irish in the handicaps at next week's festival.

The testing ground and a 6lb rise by the British handicapper was not enough to hold back the battle-hardened Suprise Package and it was men against boys as the six-year-old sauntered nine lengths clear.

"I hope that's not a sign of things to come," joked David Jeffreys, who trains the gallant runner-up Lively Citizen. Trainer Peter Fahey will be among those hoping it is a good portent as he hopes to run his 20-1 winner in the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle.

Such was the manner of his performance, he could again prove a thorn in the side for the home team at Cheltenham and he was cut to 10-1 (from 20s) by Paddy Power for next Friday's Grade 3.

"We found a little issue with him after his last run at Leopardstown, so he probably wasn't at his best there," said Fahey, who jokingly expressed some regret Paddy Power were no longer offering the £50,000 bonus to Imperial Cup winners who follow up next week.

Suprise Package and James Bowen leave their rivals trailing up the Sandown hillCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"We were borderline getting into the County Hurdle and we said if we think he's going to run well at the festival he should be able to run a big race here. He'll travel down and we'll see how he is next week."

On whether this is a sign of further domination by Irish runners at the festival, the trainer added: "It definitely gives you a little bit of confidence. He's physically improved. He's used to the hustle and bustle of big-field handicaps and has always taken his races well.

"It's hard luck on Kevin Sexton, who was keen to ride him but fell and had sore ribs. We said he should miss this and wait for next week.

"The one thing I said to James [Bowen] was don't rush when you go across the chase track, but he seemed to handle that well. That's where the tacky ground was, but he quickened and hit the line powerfully when they hit the nicer ground. It was an impressive performance and in fairness, James gave him an excellent ride."

Winner no surprise for Pricewise followers

It was a day to remember for Bowen, who was celebrating his 21st birthday. He eased Suprise Package into contention before looking around for invisible dangers while stretching clear in the straight.

"He had the experience in big handicaps, which a lot of them didn't," said the jockey. "That makes a hell of a lot of difference. This was an Irish horse with experience and I was confident he would jump well. He's a hardened handicapper and was ready to do his job today."

Suprise Package is owned by US-based Paul Leech, who could hardly believe his luck as he might head to the festival with two chances on Friday. He also owns Freedom To Dream, who holds an entry in the Martin Pipe.

"I live in Boston and Ireland is quite easy to reach," said Leech. "To be honest, though, I was looking for a trainer in both England and Ireland, but as soon as I met Peter and his wife the decision was made. I've only had three with him and they've all been really good."

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