Commander in waiting game

NIGEL Twiston-Davies is playing a waiting game over which race to run Cheltenham Festival hero Imperial Commander (right) in at Aintree this week/

The Ryanair Chase winner holds entries in Thursday’s totesport Bowl over three miles and one furlong and in the two-and-a-half mile John Smith’s Melling Chase on Friday.

“We don’t know where he’s going yet. He has the two options. We’ll see where the others are going and decide which ever we think is going to be easier,” said the Naunton trainer. “He’s come out of the Festival really well and we’re very happy with him.

“There’s not much rain anywhere. The softer the better for him, but as long as it’s not firm he’ll be all right.”

Meanwhile Twiston-Davies has confirmed jockey bookings for his four runners as he seeks to win the National for a third time after tasting success with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002).

“Paddy Brennan rides Knowhere, Tom Scudamore will be on Battlecry, Tom Molloy is on Ollie Magern and David England on Fundamentalist,” he said.