Paddy keeps fingers crossed for Imperial Commander

Paddy Brennan is keeping his fingers crossed Imperial Commander can shake up the big two in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Last season’s Ryanair Chase hero, whose Cheltenham Gold Cup odds are N/A, was beaten just a nose by dual Gold Cup winner Kauto Star at Haydock in November but was well in arrears when the latter made history by securing his fourth successive King George VI Chase at Kempton.

Brennan admits Kauto Star and his stable companion Denman  look to be streets ahead of the opposition at present, but knows nothing is certain in racing.

“It would be lovely to go for the Ryanair and that would probably be the best option, but the Gold Cup is probably the biggest race in racing,” Brennan told At The Races. There are two horses in there that are going to be very hard to beat but anything can happen in a horse race, you just have to see our 100-1 winner on Saturday. If Kauto Star makes one mistake or Denman doesn’t turn up on form, it’s there to be taken. Imperial Commander loves Cheltenham, he’s at his best there and whatever it is, the track just really seems to suit him.We’ll be going there in good form, he’s a very good horse and I feel lucky to be able to ride him.”

It is currently one-all between Kauto Star and Denman when they have met in steeplechasing’s blue riband but if given the choice, Brennan knows which horse he would like to be aboard on the big day.

“When Denman won the Gold Cup I’d have said I’d ride him, but if you asked me now I’d probably ride Kauto Star,Paul (Nicholls) obviously knows the horse better and keeps him fresh. He’s the best horse in the country at the moment and he’s the one you’d want to ride.”"

Brennan told At The Races.