Commander gunning for Betfair chase

Nigel Twiston-Davies is excited about the possibility of Imperial Commander having another try over longer distances later this month at Haydock.

The trainer’s stable star excelled over two and a half miles last season, winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, but he failed to deliver over three miles in the King George and at Punchestown.

But Twiston-Davies is keen on testing Imperial Commander against the mighty Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase a week on Saturday.

Twiston-Davies showed off most of his top horses on Wednesday morning ahead of the Paddy Power Open meeting this weekend, and Imperial Commander was one of those to breeze up the gallops in Gloucestershire.

The trainer said: “He’s in the Betfair Chase and we are really looking forward to that. He doesn’t want it too soft, but seems in very good form. Last time at Punchestown he pulled too hard in very heavy ground and didn’t get home.

“Haydock is an easier track and it will be better ground, hopefully.

“At this stage he would have a very good chance in the Ryanair Chase, but Kauto Star and Denman might not be around forever so we’ll play it by ear with the Gold Cup in the back of our minds.

“It will be a big test in the Betfair Chase, and if he can’t live with Kauto Star we’ll find out.”

Aintree specialist Irish Raptor is set for the Becher Chase on the same weekend on Merseyside.

“He won’t run if it’s too soft but otherwise he will run,” said Twiston-Davies. “He loves it round there and it will be exciting to see him back.”

Of Roll Along, who came to the stable when Carl Llewellyn returned but flopped when a hot favourite for Monday’s Weatherbys Bank Graduation Chase at Carlisle, he added: “Roll Along got stuck in the mud and didn’t enjoy the track.

“A lot of good horses get stuffed at Carlisle. The race was made for him but he ran a terrible race. He’s in the King George – he’s in everywhere – but he’s Carl’s baby and it’s up to him.”