Can Imperial Commander make it back-to-back victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup? (credit: Carine06)
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With just over one week to go until the 2011 Cheltenham Festival some of
the sport’s leading trainers are putting the finishing touches to the
preparations of their stable stars and it appears that some are enjoying the
media whirlwind more than others.
Twelve months ago Nigel Twiston-Davies was left wondering why nobody was
particularly interested in the third favourite for the Totesport Cheltenham Gold
Cup and the trainer was working quietly behind the scenes as journalists sent
punters into a frenzy over the rivalry between Kauto Star and Denman.
One year on and the handler must look back on the ignorance of the press
with some fondness as he continues to defend the preparations of reigning
champion Imperial Commander. Speaking on Tuesday, Twiston-Davies appeared full
of confidence despite his superstar’s interrupted campaign and left punters in
no uncertainty as to what he believed the result would be in this year’s Gold
Cup.
"If he finishes third this year, I'm going to have a lot of explaining to
do. But he won't finish third. He'll win,” he explained.
Twiston-Davies’ confidence will be of great reassurance to supporters of
the favourite (a best priced 10/3 with
Ladbrokes), but while Imperial Commander was lighting up the Cotswolds with
seemingly sparkling canters, Kauto Star fanatics were continuing to send the
bookies ducking for cover after the more romantic Cheltenham punters reacted to
Paul Nicholls’ tweet: “Kauto and Ruby. . . Match made in heaven!”
There will be plenty of racing fans desperate to see Kauto Star bound up
the Cheltenham hill and secure his place in the history books once and for all,
but try telling Twiston-Davies that the race is at the mercy of Nicholls’ dual
Gold Cup hero and a lap of honour awaits the legendary chaser.
"We've got the best chaser in the country. If Imperial Commander wins
again, he'll be one of the greats – and I think he deserves to be,” he
reiterated.
Just under two weeks until Imperial Commander has the chance to answer his
critics in the best way possible.
