Newbury gallop for Commander Nigel Twiston-Davies is planning to give Imperial Commander a racecourse gallop at Newbury ahead of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in six weeks' time. The Naunton trainer will seek permission from officials at the Berkshire track to work last year's winner before he bids to retain his crown at Prestbury Park on March 18. "He's great. He's working well and I'm going to talk to Newbury as we would like to take him there for a racecourse gallop in not too long a time," said Twiston-Davies. "Everything's going to plan so far, touch wood." Imperial Commander, who is 7-2 favourite to complete back-to-back victories in chasing's blue riband, made a successful seasonal reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November but was forced out of the King George VI Chase at Kempton due to a setback.
