Aspell lands Impek ride
Jim Lewis has revealed Leighton Aspell’s knowledge of Huntingdon was one of the key factors in the jockey picking up the ride on Impek in tomorrow’s totesport Peterborough Chase.
With Jim Culloty retired and Timmy Murphy, who has partnered Impek in his last two races including to victory at Aintree four weeks ago, unavailable the search for a replacement proved difficult.
“One of the main problems we’ve had this weekend is that the choice of jockeys is limited, but we are very fortunate to have the services of Leighton Aspell. We’re happy with that and he knows Huntingdon very well,” said Lewis.
“We struggled as we couldn’t get Timmy or AP (McCoy), then we thought we had Tom Scudamore but he is wanted elsewhere.
“We almost thought of bringing Terry Biddlecombe (trainer Henrietta Knight’s husband and assistant) out of retirement but we couldn’t find a pair of breeches big enough to fit him!”
Lewis’ colours were carried to victory in the Huntingdon feature four years in succession (1998-2001) by Edredon Bleu, while the ill-fated Best Mate landed the race in 2002.
Now it is Impek’s turn to represent Lewis and the Knight team in the Grade Two contest over an extended two and a half miles.
“Impek is in good form and fresh from his Aintree victory,” Lewis went on.
“One of the horses we are taking on is Le Roi Miguel and he and Impek have been duelling since they were kids. They’ve between one another and let’s hope it’s our turn tomorrow.”
Le Roi Miguel’s last success came in this race 12 months and Hot Shots and Hand Inn Hand, who were third and fourth, again line-up.
Fifth to Impek at Aintree last time, Le Roi Miguel is one of two runners from the Paul Nicholls team, the other being Thisthatandtother while Philip Hobbs saddles last Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup runner-up Monkerhostin.
Hobbs believes the good ground at Huntingdon will suit Monkerhostin, who looked a shade unlucky when second to Old Vic at Cheltenham.
“He’s in good form and the ground has come right for him,” said Hobbs.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Iris Royal makes his comeback after 21 months on the sidelines while David Myerscough’s Colca Canyon is the sole Irish raider.
Completing the 11-strong field are Sue Smith’s Mister McGoldrick, Howard Johnson’s El Vaquero and Seebald from Martin Pipe’s stable.
