Imperial set for King George rematch Nigel Twiston-Davies is convinced Imperial Commander will put behind him last season's disappointing run in the King George VI Chase when he returns to Kempton for a rematch with Kauto Star. The eight-year-old went out like a light as Kauto Star bounded to a third King George success, but Twiston-Davies has scotched the theory he did not stay. And following his agonising second to Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, the Naunton handler is more assured than ever it will be a similarly close call between the pair on Boxing Day. The trainer reasoned: "For some reason he ran badly that day (in the King George), and we still don't know why. "From a personal angle I've never had a problem with the stamina question. He likes the Cheltenham hill and looked as fresh as a daisy the last time he went up there. "I'm afraid the stamina issue is something that has been whipped up by the Press." Twiston-Davies is concentrating on having Imperial Commander, winner of last season's Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, at his peak for the rematch with Kauto Star next month. He continued: "The King George is next and I'm really looking forward to it. Kempton is a flat, right-handed course that should suit him. "We'll find out one way or the other on Boxing Day."
