Commander Can Take Gold Cup

If you were to believe the pundits then you’d wonder why any other horses plan to turn up for the Gold Cup today, because for most it’s only all about Kauto Star and Denman but not so says Imperial Commanders jockey Paddy Brennan who has said he “wouldn’t ride anything else” in the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup today and rather confidently believes that he can topple the big two of Kauto Star and Denman!

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained horse was successful in last year’s Ryanair Chase but feels the Gold Cup will better suit him this year. Clearly the bookies agree because Imperial Commander is third favourite behind the two superstars.

Speaking on Channel 4′s The Morning Line, Brennan said: “It’ll be very competitive and the track is riding brilliantly – it’s a case of the best horse will win. I think he’ll be a much easier ride in the Gold Cup because he’ll travel. In the Ryanair you’re always in top gear and need everything to go right. Today he’ll give me a great ride because he travels and personally I think he stays.”

And he could be right, despite the power of Kauto Star, Imperial Commander came within a nose of defeating him in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November and Brennan believes he can come out on top in their clash on Friday.

“It was best feeling I’ve had off a horse in racing because he gave me something and kept quickening and quickening and going away,” Brennan added. “He went to the third last as quick as he’s ever been and going to the fence he had a blow and it lost me four lengths and gave Kauto a chance and I think I lost the race there. Make no mistake, he can match the best and I wouldn’t want to ride anything else today.”

It could be that the Gold Cup isn’t as clear cut as everybody thinks it will be and maybe, just maybe, Imperial Commander will turn up and really upset the Nicholls party this afternoon!

To have a bet on the Gold Cup go to Paddy Power Bookmakers!