Hobbs looks for Imperial rule

Published: 10 March 2010

Philip Hobbs is keeping everything crossed that Qaspal makes the cut for this weekend's Paddy Power Imperial Cup at Sandown.

The six-year-old showed little on his first three appearances over obstacles but is unbeaten in two starts since stepping into handicap company. He holds entries in both the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle and the County Hurdle next week - but may need to win on Saturday to guarantee a place in either line-up.

"I think we need about six to come out to get a run so it will depend on the others whether we do or not. He won well at Kempton and then won even easier at Sandown, so I'm very hopeful he'd have a very good chance on Saturday," Hobbs told At The Races.