Long Run set to strike gold
One could argue that, as a mere six-year-old, he is too young to be taking on the cream of chasers, but there is more to it than the bare facts.
Now in the care of Nicky Henderson, he is ex-French and horses from that quarter often tend to be precocious and best in the early part of their careers.
On his two visits to Cheltenham previously Long Run failed to deliver, but is more mature now and rapidly on the upgrade.
He put up a stunning performance to win the King George at Kempton in the middle of January.
The selection jumped well, travelled powerfully through the contest, led over the third last and soon swept clear to score by 12 lengths.
He shaped like a thorough stayer and any rain which might fall will certainly work in his favour.
Last year’s winner Imperial Commander has to be respected, having slammed Denman by seven lengths on that occasion.
He hasn’t, however, been seen since scrambling to an unsatisfactory success over the enigmatic Tidal Bay at Haydock in November and that’s a worry, even if he is at his most potent when fresh.
Kauto Star appeared to be a light of other days behind Long Run at Kempton and it will be a remarkable training feat by Paul Nicholls if he can regain the title for a second time.
Denman can never be underestimated and there was little wrong with his cracking effort when third to Diamond Harry and Burton Port in the Hennessy at Newbury in November. But, like Kauto Star, he is now an 11 year-old, with no scope for improvement.
The dark horse of the contest has to be Pandorama, should Noel Meade allow him take his chance, who was impressive when taking the Lexus at Leopardstown at Christmas.
He would obviously be greatly favoured by buckets of rain and it was disappointing a setback ruled him out of the Hennessy at Leopardstown last month. That deprived us of a vital part of the jigsaw.
The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle can go to Bobs Worth and Barry Geraghty. He beat Rock On Ruby by over two lengths on this track in January and the form speaks for itself. Rock On Ruby was only touched off in the final stride by First Lieutenant in the Neptune here on Wednesday.
The Foxhunters may best left to last year’s winner, Baby Run. He loves to race on the pace and has warmed up for this with smooth victories at Haydock and Wetherby.
