Saint looks ready to strike Gold

Imperial Saint is tipped to impress in the December Gold Cup today

- By NICK ROBSON

IT may seem folly going against Dan Skelton in a big race on a Saturday but Imperial Saint looks better value in the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup at Cheltenham today.

Skelton has mopped up in the feature races in recent weeks building up a very healthy lead at the top of the trainers’ championship, although Willie Mullins has yet to really get involved.

Skelton won the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month with Panic Attack, who proved how well handicapped she was when bolting up next time in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury but back in third at Chel-tenham was Hoe Joly Smoke.

Racing off the same mark, it is no surprise he is at the head of the betting, along with the beaten favourite that day, Vincenzo, who is 2lb higher.