Nigel Twiston-Davies admits it would be the clear highlight of his excellent training career if Imperial Commander can become only the third Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in history to claim the John Smith's Grand National today.
The incomparable Golden Miller won the Gold Cup on five successive occasions between 1932 and 1936 and also claimed Aintree glory in 1934.
Dual Gold Cup winner L'Escargot won the National in 1975, preventing Liverpool legend Red Rum from winning the race for third successive year, although he would, of course, go on to complete the hat-trick a couple of years later. With history against him and top-weight on his back, it is clear the 12-year-old Imperial Commander has plenty on his plate.
But Gloucestershire trainer Twiston-Davies is confident his pride and joy retains all the old enthusiasm and ability that saw him claim a famous Gold Cup victory over no lesser horses than Denman and Kauto Star three years ago.
His talents certainly appeared relatively undiminished when he returned from a near two-year absence with a superb second in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham in January, but he missed the chance to reclaim his Gold Cup crown through a lung infection.
Twiston-Davies knows what it takes to win the National, having saddled two previous winners in Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002).
Adding further lustre to this year's story is the fact Imperial Commander will be partnered for the first time in public by the trainer's son, Sam, with regular rider Paddy Brennan sat on the sidelines through suspension. Asked where a victory for Imperial Commander would rank in his career, the Naunton-based handler said: "It wouldn't get any better than that. I'm not worried about the statistics. Red Rum won it as a 12-year-old, so there's no reason why we can't do it.
"I think he's as good as ever."
Twiston-Davies jnr cannot wait for the big race. He said: "I've schooled him over a few National replica fences at home and he seemed to take to them very well."
Twiston-Davies also saddles outsiders Major Malarkey and Viking Blond.
Ted Walsh's Papillon claimed National glory in millennium year and this year he saddles two major contenders in Seabass and Colbert Station.
Seabass was an excellent third 12 months ago and is once again partnered by the trainer's daughter, Katie, while the progressive Colbert Station gets the services of Tony McCoy. Ted Walsh said: "When you are second in the National you are going to get 5lb or 6lb. I thought he (Seabass) got plenty in 6lb for being third.
"Realistically horses of his calibre don't win the National with 11st 7lb, 11st 8lb or 11st 9lb on their backs. Something around 10st 7lb or 10st 8lb is more likely to win it.
"I've no worry about the trip for Colbert Station. He jumps really well and maybe lacking a bit in experience.
"Colbert Station is a big power horse, weight won't bother him and he jumps really well. He's been a brilliant jumper of fences and touch wood I won't put the mockers on him. He's very accurate at what he does and he loves jumping."
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