Imperial Commander and Long Run both chase Haydock glory

It has been a long road back for Imperial Commander, the 2010 Betfair winner, who was pulled up on his most recent start behind Long Run in the Gold Cup.

Paul Nicholls, who has won four of the seven runnings of the Lancashire highlight, could rely upon the recent Charlie Hall Chase and Wetherby winner Silviniaco Conti as well as Tidal Bay, who bolted up in the John Smith’s Hurdle on the same day.

The Neil Mulholland-trained Midnight Chase and Wayward Prince, now with Hilary Parrott, who were both well beaten in the Charlie Hall, are still engaged.

This year’s Gold Cup runner-up The Giant Bolster could make his seasonal reappearance for David Bridgwater, while the Donald McCain-trained Weird Al and Colin Tizzard’s Cannington Brook complete the line-up.

The bookmakers, as well as the betting exchange sponsor, all have Long Run as a favourite.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin said: “We have to be delighted with that field. Two Gold Cup winners, the second and third from last year’s Cheltenham race, and other top-class entries such as 
rising star Silviniaco Conti.

“And, with the possible exception of Tidal Bay, all look likely to stand their ground on Saturday.

“With that in mind, our trading department are keen to take on Long Run, and offer a top-priced 6-4 about him.”

Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Finian’s Rainbow has also been entered for a first start of the season in the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

Nicky Henderson’s nine-year-old gelding took the two-mile Cheltenham crown when holding Sizing Europe in a lengthy duel on the flat due to a bypassed fence and went on to deliver a fine performance in the Melling Chase at Aintree.

Henderson could also run reliable yardstick French Opera.

Finian’s Rainbow could have a testing comeback, though, as Nick Williams has entered his impressive Aintree winner For Non Stop.

Philip Hobbs also gives a chance to former Arkle hero and King George third Captain Chris.

Paul Nicholls’s Ghizao, fresh from a confidence-booster at Kempton, and Martin Keighley’s stable star Champion Court add further spice along with prolific sorts from shrewd stables in Quincy Des Pictons and Pepite Rose.

Mad Max continues his new career with Neil Mulholland, while Easter Meteor and Kumbeshwar have been entered by Emma Lavelle and Alan King respectively.

Another exciting horse of Henderson’s, Broadbackbob, made a pleasing debut over fences with a comfortable success in the Wings For Life UK Novices’ Chase at Plumpton yesterday.

The gelding put in a foot-perfect round under Barry Geraghty to take this two-and-a-half-mile heat on his first start since January.

Geraghty kept the 30-100 shot to the outside to get a clear view of the obstacles and try to avoid any trouble.

It paid off as early as the first fence where Aikideau came down as Arbeo, Ballypatrick and Sherreb cut out the pace-setting duties.

After Arbeo unseated Sam Thomas at the fourth last, Broadbackbob took command.

Asserting his superiority, he won with his head in his chest by three and a quarter lengths from the staying-on Highway Code. Ballypatrick stuck on for third another two and three-quarter lengths away.

“He jumped brilliantly,” said Geraghty.

“There was a couple he got in tight and screwed a little bit, but it was my own fault. I thought he was very good.

“The fences are trappy, but he was very good and brave.

“We were going steady and it was a schooling session until from four out when we turned up the revs.

“He probably needed more than two-four over hurdles, but you couldn’t judge him (on yesterday). Two and a half there was lovely, he always travelled well and had enough pace.

“I think he’s fairly versatile and we’ll play around and see what’s best for him.”

Meanwhile, Grands Crus is to be treated shortly for a breathing issue detected after his ordinary run ing Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

David Pipe’s grey, who set a high standard in staying hurdles and won last year’s Feltham Novices’ Chase, went off the 7-4 favourite for the first major handicap of the season but was pulled up before the second-last fence.

“Geoff Lane (a renowned vet) had a look at him and he wasn’t happy with his wind,” said Pipe.

“It’s ongoing, but I should think we’ll do something about it this week.”