Kim Bailey Aiming Bigger Than Paddy Power Gold Cup With Imperial Aura

In form trainer Kim Bailey is aiming big with his stable star Imperial Aura, but will also be patient with his plans as he has ruled him out of running in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Ladbrokes Trophy this month.

The seven year old last season risen through the chasing ranks, racing four times at Cheltenham placing in two smart events before going on to win another two.

One of those wins came at the festival in the 20 runner Listed Novices' Handicap Chase and the form line he holds has been franked by many horses throughout last season.

The superstar stepped up for his seasonal debut at Carlisle last week in the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Listed Chase up against some proven chasers.

However, the gelding showed massive improvement to land the event and now Kim Bailey has some big plans in mind for the seven year old.

Bailey wrote on his website: “The weights for the Ladbroke Chase came out yesterday. We have three entries – Imperial Aura, who will not run, while Vinndication and Two For Gold will remain in the race for the foreseeable future so that we can asses how they have come out of the respective races last weekend.

“Imperial Aura will not be running in the Paddy Power at Cheltenham next weekend. It is too soon after his stunning win last Sunday at Carlisle.

“There are other races for him that might suit – Ascot on the 21st of November, the Chanelle Pharma Chase, and then there is the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on December 6th.”