Hat-trick seeking Qaspal heads the market for the valuable Paddy Power Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday, the last big event before the start of the Cheltenham festival next week.

The Philip Hobbs-trained six-year-old has really come into his own of late, leaving behind some lacklustre initial racecourse efforts to win well at Kempton and then again at Sandown three weeks ago where he easily despatched his rivals in a two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle on heavy ground.

Currently offered at 5/1 for the Imperial Cup, connections appear satisfied that the drop back in trip and the better ground should not inconvenience the JP McManus owned French bred gelding, who appears to be on a steep upward curve and might well be able to defy a 14lbs rise in the weights and the step up in class.

Qaspal was made the favourite for the Imperial Cup following the withdrawal of Sault Flo, who has been pulled out by trainer David Pipe in favour of running at the Cheltenham Festival.

Pipe’s French recruit will now compete in the Jewson’s Novices Handicap Chase on the Thursday where his priced at 10/1 behind 6/1 favourite Rivalists before he goes in the Grand Annual on Friday where he is priced at 8/1.

Salut Flo’s withdrawal has left the way clear for Qaspal in the Imperial Cup, although Brighton trainer Gary Moore says his two charges, Wade Farm Billy (16/1) and Numide (25/1), are in with an outside chance.

“I’d like to run Wade Farm Billy and Numide,” said Moore.

“I doubt if Wade Farm Billy would get in. The only thing is if the ground dries out it might end up scaring off a few of them.”

A full list of Imperial Cup odds is available at Betfred’s horse racing betting section.