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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker
Imperial Commander on Target for Kauto Clash in King George
22/11/10
Imperial Commander picked up a minor injury at Haydock on Saturday when winning the Betfair Chase but early fears that the injury was more serious have thankfully been proved wide of the mark. Connections still hope to get the Gold Cup winner ready to contest the William Hill King George VI Chase on Boxing day.
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Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said; "He came back with a little cut on his foreleg. He'll be in his box for a week and we'll have to monitor it, obviously, but hopefully we should have him cantering again after that and hopefully have him ready for the King George."
Jockey Paddy Brennan is looking forward to the Christmas showpiece and had this to say on Sunday; "In the King George this year I'll ride him much handier than last year. Obviously we've all got the favourite Kauto Star to beat but this year he's missing one of the most important people associated with him and that's Ruby Walsh and that gives us all a bit of hope.
Brennan was self-critical after a sprinting Tidal Bay, just for a moment, looked like he might catch the reigning Gold Cup winner, saying "I wasn't very pleased with my riding towards the finish. I would never want any young jockey to do what I did. I put the race to bed, but when I sat up on him it was like a car going into neutral - he really pulled up. I stopped riding about 100 yards from the line and was looking after the horse, but we should all learn and push out more to the line. On soft ground like that as soon as you drop the accelerator they can go down in gears very quickly."
I am in the camp that thinks Kempton is not the Imperial Commander’s track but there is no doubting he has the class to bustle-up Kauto Star if things pan-out.
Monday's selection is Master Somerville in the 2.15 at Ludlow. Whilst I fully subscribe to Mud Monkey's huge chance under a penalty, this will be his fourth quick race and although he is much the most likely winner, Master Somerville may be better value. An easy winner last November, he has started to come down the handicap and Haydock probably didn't suit him last time. Expect better today, although a slight worry is that the two mentioned could take each other on up-front.
Recommendation: Ludlow 2.15 - Master Somerville
