HEROIC IMPERIAL COMMANDER BIDS TO REGAIN GOLD CUP CROWN

IMPERIAL COMMANDER is around 20/1 to regain his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown after his heroic performance at the Festival Trials.

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies was thrilled with the way the 12-year-old battled against the field in the Argento Chase last month.

After leading for a long way throughout the chase, Imperial Commander was just caught by Cape Tribulation and went down to second by half-a-length.

But the 2010 Gold Cup hero will now bid to become the second horse - after Kauto Star in 2009 - to regain his crown and the first 12-year-old since What A Myth in 1969.

Twiston-Davies' horse certainly pulled off a breath-taking win at Cheltenham last month and regained fans in the process.

He hadn't run for 680 days and suffered a set back at the beginning of the season, but still managed to finish in a respectable position.

With the odds of 20/1, and Bobs Worth being the 3/1 favourite, Imperial Commander may seem like the dark the horse in the race.

But I think a small flutter on the Twiston-Davies trained horse would not go amiss. 

He produced the wow factor and did what Kauto Star managed to do: doubted the punters who said he was too old to win again. He is a joy to watch and I personally did not think we would see him again. 

I think Imperial Commander is one to consider and should not be crossed off the list.

He stormed up the hill like a steam train in the Festival Trials and I believe he can do it again, but this time finish one place better.

COULD BOLD SIR BRIAN OUTSHINE MIDNIGHT CHASE'S ARGENTO VICTORY?

As most of my blog followers know, Midnight Chase is one of my favourite horses and Dougie Costello's ride in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham this year will be a race I will always remember.

Personally, his win over Tidal Bay by two and three-qaurter lengths was perhaps the best victory I have seen at the Gloucester track - please comment or tweet if anyone thinks differently - as Midnight Chase led the field over the first and stayed ahead throughout the race.

But will it be possible to see another success in improving youngster Bold Sir Brian in the same race on January 6 2013?

According to Lucinda Russell, the six-year-old could have his next start in the Argento, as the promising horse (rated 155) made a step up to Listed level on his previous ride at Sandown.

His performance illustrated the potential he holds and the NH trainer is thinking about giving Bold Sir Brian an entry in the Gold Cup next March.

But if he did go ahead in the Argento, would he outshine Midnight Chase's brilliant win? I am not doubting the horse's ability, I feel Costello gave Midnight Chase a ride to remember - he saved enough energy to power the horse up Cheltenham's iconic track - and even Betfred, the sponsorship behind the Gold Cup, cut the champion's odds from 40 to 16-1 for the festival.

I wish Lucinda all the best with Bold Sir Brian and I am sure he will produce a wonderful career for her. But will he give the Cheltenham crowd a race to remember? We shall have to wait and see! 

MIDNIGHT CHASE - DARK HORSE FOR THE GOLD CUP - MY OPINION

Midnight Chase could be a dark horse for this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup as recent performances have been highly successful.

Photo taken from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Meteorshoweryn

The horse has produced some wonderful yet memorable
performances this season and I believe that Dougie Costello can ride him to victory in two weeks time.

Since Midnight Chase won the Argento Chase in January, a dress-rehearsal for the Gold Cup, his yard has kept relatively quiet about the horse's success.

I think that this could work well in their favour - keeping Midnight Chase out of the lime-light could be what they need to keep the horse's performances at a high standard.

The media has focused strongly on Kauto Star and Long Run - they are, without doubt fantastic horses - but since beating Tidal bay at Cheltenham last time, I think Midnight Chase could surprise punters and come out on top.

Costello knows how to handle the horse: they make the ultimate team. Midnight Chase jumps fluently and is capable of staying ahead.

He is definitely one to watch.

It's always great to see an outsider beat the favourite, but with regards to Midnight Chase, I think he can handle it.

MIDNIGHT CHASE STORMS AHEAD IN THE ARGENTO CHASE

MIDNIGHT CHASE has won the Argento Chase (Registered as the  (Grade 2)  Cotswold Chase) today beating favourites Diamond Harry and Tidal Bay.

The horse was ridden fantastically by Dougie Costello and kept hold of the lead throughout the race.

The 11-2 horse produced a brilliant performance by jumping fluently and travelling well, even when Tidal Bay was hot on his hooves.

But Walsh was unable to catch up with Costello as he powered past the post.

Diamond Harry was disappointing given his odds and Captain Chris was pulled up early on in the race.

Midnight Chase is now priced at 25-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Definitely worth an each-way bet.