Verdict

IMPERIAL COMMANDER can reign supreme with Silverburn and Finger Onthe Pulse as the most likely dangers. Nigel Twiston-Davies has been bullish in the press throughout the week about his representative and as the handicapper couldn't equate Barbers Shop's recent victory into the current mark that he has allocated, he could be exceedingly well handicapped today. Silverburn was fourth in Imperial Commander's Paddy Power success. Mistakes cost him on that occasion and despite being apparently well treated, he cannot afford a similar scenario here. Finger Onthe Pulse has Tony McCoy booked and it would be no surprise to see plenty of use made of him here. My Petra has won two weak races in good fashion. This looks a much sterner examination on paper. Oslot has plenty of weight at present and the handicapper appears slow to release the grip. Private Be does not win often but he has obvious claims of hitting the frame on the pick of his form. Hold up performer, Three Mirrors is likely to be plugging on gamely when others have cried enough. Notable D'Estruval had a gentle warmup at Cork over hurdles and he can be expected to have come along plenty for that. Abragante is tried in a visor having raced in blinkers in the past. His stable have enjoyed plenty of success at this meeting in the past and he has a very light racing weight this afternoon. Imperial Commander can be imperious today.

Formwatch

Nozic (FR) 9-1 (10-1) unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Knowhere (10-5) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Oct, 12 ran.

Imperial Commander (IRE) 13-2 (10-7) In touch, led 9th, ridden after 2 out, kept on gamely, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov beating Barbers Shop (10-10) by 3l, 19 ran.

Finger Onthe Pulse (IRE) 2-1 (11-8) Led, ridden and headed before 2 out, no extra before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 12l behind Noland (11-5) at Down Royal 2m 4f chs Grd 3 sft in Nov.

Il Duce (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) In touch, headway 10th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, left 4th last, 4th of 19, 18l behind Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov.

My Petra 7-4fav (10-4) Tracked leaders, always going well, led approaching last, ran on well, won at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov beating Oceanos des Obeaux (10-4) by 6l, 6 ran.

Three Mirrors 50-1 (10-13) Held up towards rear, slightly hampered 4 out, ridden and stayed on after 2 out, never trouble leaders, 5th of 19, 20l behind Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov.

Stan (NZ) 18-1 (10-9) Chased leaders until after 10th, soon behind and pulled up 2 out in race won by Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov, 19 ran.

Silverburn (IRE) 11-4fav (10-11) Mid-division when stumbled badly 1st, headway after 4 out, disputing 5 lengths 4th when stumbled badly 2 out, soon ridden and beaten, 6th of 19, 22l behind Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov.

Yes Sir (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) Led 2nd until 4 out, soon ridden, hit 3 out, one pace after, hit last, 7th of 13, 20l behind Classic Fiddle (10-12) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Nov.

Private Be 10-3fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 7th, every chance when hit 4 out, hit next, soon ridden, kept on, held from 2 out, 2nd of 13, 10l behind Classic Fiddle (10-12) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Nov.

The Hairy Lemon 10-1 (10-6) Held up, ridden 13th, no impression, last of 6, 25l behind My Petra (10-4) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov.

Notable D'Estruval (FR) 4-1fav (10-2) Mid-division best, not much room after 4 out, soon no impression under pressure, eased straight, tailed off, 11th of 13, well behind Gusda (10-10) at Cork 2m 4f hcp hdl hvy in Nov.

Patman Du Charmil (FR) 50-1 (10-5) Mid-division until 8th, soon behind and pulled up 4 out in race won by Imperial Commander (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov, 19 ran.

Abragante (IRE) 6-1 (10-0) Hit 1st, hampered 2nd, always towards rear, 9th of 12, well behind Roll Along (11-1) at Ascot 3m hcp chs (2) gd in Nov.

Nation State 9-1 (11-12) Mid-division, pushed along 8th, driven and struggling 10th, stayed on after 3 out, no danger, 4th of 12, 34l behind Lidjo De Rouge (10-8) at Folkestone 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov.

Oslot (FR) 4-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden and hit 2 out, no further impression, 4th of 6, 9l behind My Petra (10-4) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp chs Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov.