Pipe goes for Imperial quantity

MARTIN PIPE is responsible for more than a third of the 38-strong entry for the £50,000 Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown Park on Saturday.

The champion trainer’s 13 possibles are headed by Polar Red, who pipped Impek by a head in the showcase handicap hurdle over an extended two miles last year.

Pipe hopes to clinch the prize as the winner will be eligible for a £60,000 bonus if going on to win any race at next week’s Cheltenham Festival.