5:10 – Musselburgh – FEARLESS FREDDIE THE PLACE TO BET HANDICAP (CLASS 5) (3yo+ 0-70) Good To Firm 5f
Imperial Legend has his ideal conditions as he attempts to rattle up a hat-trick of wins for his connections this afternoon at Musselburgh. The 3 year old bay gelding only made his racecourse debut in April and in 8 runs he has won twice and been placed once. Four of his runs have come in Good to Soft and Soft ground which he does not appear to act in, so he has been very consistent to date given decent ground.
He made his racecourse debut over 6 furlongs in Soft ground when he finished 5th of 11 runners some 11 lengths behind the winner. His seven subsequent runs have all been over 5 furlongs and given decent underfoot conditions he has run very well. He finished 2nd in June at Catterick on his second start in Good to Firm ground, but as three of his next four runs came on softer going he was unplaced.
His turnaround in form came at Ayr two starts back when Shirley Teasdale rode him for just the second time. He was able to make all under her ride and although he edged right inside the final furlong he still had enough left to win by ½ length. With only 1 winner coming out of the race the form is not strong but getting his head in front was clearly beneficial to Imperial Legend. He ran at Ayr again on his last start 34 days ago and was carrying a 6lb penalty for his last win. He was hampered at the start so could not get an uncontested lead, but was leading by half way and kept on strongly inside the final furlong to win by 3 ¾ lengths. This shows that he does not have to lead from the start to win and that he has plenty of speed throughout his races.
The going at Musselburgh is Good to Firm and in three runs on the surface he has won once, which was on his last start and been placed 2nd once. His record over 5 furlongs on Good and Good to Firm going is two wins and one placed run from four starts. Shirley Teasdale rides him again this afternoon and she has ridden him on both of his last two winning starts and appears to get on well with him.
He looks to be a real speedball and given that he has ideal underfoot conditions today he looks to have more improvement to come. His last win at Ayr was very impressive, as to win by such a big margin over 5 furlongs is no easy feat. He has had a nice break of 34 days so should be fresh today and a good run can be expected.
