in rear, weakened from 4 out
disputed lead, headed 3 out, ridden to regain lead narrowly between last 2 fences, headed last, no extra final 100 yards
tracked leaders in 3rd, not jump fluently, pushed along approaching 13th, in 3rd when blundered and unseated rider 14th
disputed lead, hit 1st, hit 11th, mistake 4 out, led next, headed after 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders and disputed 3rd, led after 2 out, soon headed narrowly, regained lead last, stayed on well flat
A low turnout but perhaps not the walk in the park that a few might assume for Gold Cup Hero IMPERIAL COMMANDER; nevertheless he only needs to run to a mark of about 165 to win and he should see off What A Friend and Nacarat. Nigel Twiston-Davies is having a great season and it was capped by this fellow's win in the Gold Cup. One worry would be that Gold Cup winners have underperformed here in the past when relatively quickly turned out and the track may not be ideal, however he looks the best starting point. Carruthers, a bold front-runner, was fourth at Cheltenham and fared best of those who re-oppose today. He looks unlikely to get an easy lead here with Nacarat in the line-up. The last-named was a fine second in the Racing Post Chase at Kempton when last seen and has run well at this track in the past. A bigger threat however might be What A Friend who bypassed Cheltenham on purpose. He won the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on his latest start and has improved no end this season. As a result it would be no surprise to see both him and Imperial Commander on the bridle turning for home. Calgary Bay completes the field but Henrietta Knight's handicapper lacks the class to really get involved at this level and as a result we have no hesitation in returning to Imperial Commander for the winner.
Calgary Bay (IRE) 50-1 (11-10) Keen early, held up behind, took closer order 12th, blundered next, outpaced 5 out, left 5th next, no impression from 3 out, 6th of 11, 39l behind Imperial Commander (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar.
Carruthers 33-1 (11-10) Led, joined 11th, not fluent 14th (water), headed 5 out, soon lost place, 4th and outpaced when blundered 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, stayed on under pressure from last, just failed for 3rd, 4th of 11, 31l behind Imperial Commander (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar.
Imperial Commander (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, challenged next, driven to lead before 2 out, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Cheltenham 3m 2f Grade 1 chs (1) gd in Mar beating Denman (11-10) by 7l, 11 ran.
Nacarat (FR) 11-2 (11-8) Led until approaching 3rd, led again 10th, mistake 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, rallied after last, just held, 2nd of 13, nk behind Razor Royale (10-5) at Kempton 3m hcp chs G3 (1) sft in Feb.
What A Friend 11-2 (11-10) Held up in touch, improved into 6th 6 out, 3rd after 4 out, went 2nd travelling well after 2 out, challenged last, led 100 yards from finish, kept on well under pressure, won at Leopardstown 3m Grade 1 chs in Dec beating Money Trix (11-10) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
