Hopes are high that Imperial Commander can make a rousing return in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham.

The 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero has had his fair share of issues since last appearing in competitive action, which was when he pulled up in the 2011 blue riband.

Paul Costello, syndicate manager for his owners, Our Friends In The North, said: "Quite a lot of preparation has gone into getting him back and, as it gets closer, we are really counting down the hours. We are training him with an eye on the Gold Cup so no matter who turns up, we are confident of giving them a race."

Costello continued: "He's not run for nearly two years, but he's getting a lot of weight, so we are in a strong position.

"We know he takes a bit of time between his races, so this season we are trying to train him with more of a view to the Gold Cup as there is such a small gap between now and the Festival.

"His last couple of racecourse gallops have gone very well and he was spot-on in his last piece of work at Warwick. If he can run to 10lb of his top rating he'll be hard to beat at the weekend."

Keiran Burke is confident Hunt Ball is coming to the boil nicely as he builds up to the Gold Cup in March.

"The owner is very keen to go and we wanted to have a good test to see where we are for the Gold Cup. Nothing went right for him in the Paddy Power - the ground was very gluey, which he didn't like, and it was his first run of the season and we might not have had him as fit as we thought," said the Dorset trainer.

"He did a piece of work last week which was one of the best bits he's ever done."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests