Cork preview Cork plays host to an eight-race National Hunt card today with the Grade Three Imperial Cup Chase the feature contest. Seven horses have been declared for this three-mile event, with Roi Du Mee, who won the race in 2013, and On His Own the stand-out names. The former has been in great spirits of late, winning his last three, while the latter has been campaigned at the highest level and was last seen finishing fifth in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Toon River, who was 10 lengths third to Roi Du Mee two years ago, again takes his chance, with trainer Mary Louise Hallahan - who was among the winners on Thursday at Clonmel - hopeful of another good run. She said: "He is in good form. He is going into the race off the back of a win. It looks a good race, but we are hopeful. "He ran well in it two years ago and he is definitely a lot tougher now. We had a tongue-tie on in the past, but I think it might have made a difference to him the last day, he won quite comfortably. "He has learned to settle a bit better and his jumping is a bit better. Three miles should be right up his street and he has run well around Cork before. "He is rated 142 so he is going to have to take on these horses now anyway. The weights aren't ideal, but I think the smaller field will suit him." Bothair Clei, who was beaten just a nose in the Leinster National at Naas last month, represents Donie Murphy. He said: "He is probably out of his depth. I have two half-sisters who we are breeding from so that's why we are going to try and get a bit of black type. "On ratings he has no chance but we will take our chance anyway. If the ground stays heavy it will help, but if it dries out too much he mightn't run. He is after winning in Mallow twice so he likes the track." Sonny B, who was third in the Leinster National, five-time winner Letter Of Credit and the Alice Curran-trained Lisrose complete the line-up.
