At least you can rule out The New One at Cheltenham.

Best laid plans !! - the temperamental beast spent the whole journey from Gloucesterhire trying to kick the door off the lorry and emerged lathered in sweat. Although he had calmed down during racing it cannot have done him any good - we knew he was a bit green (horse going wrong in front of him didn't help as he lost early ground), but I think his antics in the box and the first time experience really got to him. Great ride by Willy T-D to keep him on the track, let alone getting him into 2nd. Winner is a good horse, and time was good particually as they ran further being diverted onto the chase course. He will improve a ton for that, and has plenty of growing and strengthening to do - an exciting prospect.

Looking ok for Saturday Bobby?

Just hoping he has learned from the experience - certainly his homework has been excellent, but how he reacts to the journey could be the key. Very nice horse in the making whatever happens and one for the notebook over hurdles.

He has company this time as Hollow Heartbeat and Listen Boy also travel - hopefully he will behave himself but he has his own ideas about who is in charge

Similar run to last time, outpaced then ran on well at the end. Looks like he would benefit from another half mile.

I don't think two miles is his trip SS, though coming second twice is obviously no disgrace. I thought Willie did his best to keep him honest with a positive ride from the outset.

It will be good to see him over hurdles and imo a longer trip but whether he's one to follow from a value betting perspective is debatable. Somebody accepted evens the night before the race

Blimey took an age to find the best thread on the forum. Bobby are you there? I see Toady is quite upbeat about Imperial Commander. But never mind the trainer what are your thoughts? Still got the fire in his belly? Trust you and yours are well.

R&W/SS Imperial Commanderis in great order,and is enjoying his work. He has an extended spell of roadwork to protect against a recurrence of his tendon injury as much as we can. His legs have all scanned fine. He is catching up on fitness as he is swimming as well as cantering. Last two pieces of work have been good and he is giving Sparky a good feel. First target will be the Betfair chase and then we can decide where to go from there depending on what he shows us.

Cheers Bobby, hope he stays sound for the season and good luck with the Imperial Racing venture, http://www.imperial-horseracing.com/index.html

Good to read blog on Imperial Leader. Your links to the ownership page don't work however : (

I've just had a look and in the nice article about IC there are a couple of links regarding shares still available that don't work - file directory not found error. Maybe explains why you haven't sold them Bobby : )

SS - Got you -the links in the blog. Will correct. iL has the speed for two but the extra half mile will allow him to ease his way into jumping. Looks a strong race but he has a lot of talent and is in great form.

Hope you have a good day Bobby. I think connections of the hot fav were thinking along the same lines as you but I reckon IL will be better suited by the conditions. Let's hope he doesn't hang this time!

Yup, your faith  was well founded Bobby. I was impressed in the way he powered away. Obviously grown up now. Well done.

Yes, turn of foot at the end of 2 1/2 miles stands him in good stead. STD rode a fine race. Now we can look out for the unraced 4-year-old bumper horse who worked recently with IC. Ring any bells? OM returns from a lay off tomorrow.

test

Hmm OM doesn't have a mountain to climb today.

Hi Bobby, How's he looking for the Betfair mate?