For most hardened racing fans the only horse that can conceivably be given a genuine hope of lowering the colours of both Kauto Star and Denman in the Cheltenham Gold Cup later this month is Imperial Commander, writes Elliot Slater.

Even now, watching the re-run of the thrilling Betfair Chase at Haydock back in November, it seems extraordinary that Imperial Commander failed to beat Kauto Star, the photo finish so narrowly favouring the defending champion who just happened to have his handsome nose down at the exact split-second the pair passed the post. A stride before or a stride after the line, Kauto Star was definitely beaten.

Whilst many suggested that Imperial Commander only got so close to Nicholls’ dual Gold Cup winner because he was making his seasonal reappearance, they seem to conveniently forget that the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained nine-year-old was also having his first run for six months.

Not for the first time Imperial Commander then went to Kempton’s King George VI Chase touted as a genuine threat to Kauto Star, and not for the first time he ran a poor race there. Clearly, right-handed Kempton does not suit the Flemensfirth gelding who conversely has a very good record at Cheltenham where he has won no less than five times, including the Paddy Power Gold Cup and last year’s Ryanair Chase.

Following a pleasing racecourse workout this weekend, Twiston-Davies reported Imperial Commander to be bang on target for the Gold Cup where Ladbrokes’ standout offer of 14/1 looks a cracking each-way bet as far as 2010 Cheltenham betting goes. With doubts surrounding Denman it would be a brave man that would be prepared to bet that Imperial Commander and Paddy Brennan won’t make the frame.

It is also worth noting that the Twiston-Davies’ horses seem to be holding their form really well this year leading up to the Cheltenham Festival, as evidenced by the game success of Razor Royale in Kempton’s Racing Post Chase. Something which should be considered when checking out the latest Cheltenham Odds in the coming weeks.