Geraghty's Imperial Dream Nicky Henderson and indeed Mick Fitzgerald never hid the regard in which they held Dave's Dream and he was cut to 8-1 favourite from 20s with today's sponsor, Paddy Power, to win the County Hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday, following a convincing success in the Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday. The six-year-old also has an entry in the Martin Pipe Conditional Handicap, for which William Hill put him in as 6-1 favourite. Ante-post market-leader Mr Thriller, who was chasing a third straight win in the race for trainer David Pipe, made the contest a real test, but it was clear from some way out that Barry Geraghty was travelling extremely well on the winner. The triumphant rider decided to steer his mount up the stands' rail, and with a fluent leap at the last, ran out a very easy winner. Seven Is My Number, also for team Pipe, made eye-catching progress from the rear to take second and may well have finished a lot closer had he not suffered a terrible run on the turn for home. Prince Taime finished third with early leader Mr Thriller staying on bravely for fourth. Dave's Dream will collect a #75,000 bonus if winning at Cheltenham. Native Clan under Robert 'Choc' Thornton stayed on to finish a never dangerous sixth for Arthur Moore.
