RSA big guns ready to fire

Nicky Henderson cannot split Punchestowns and Long Run as his pair get set for battle in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Henderson has enviable riches in the novice chase department and his promising duo head the market for the youngster’s Gold Cup, with Long Run shading his stablemate at 2-1.

Punchestowns is a point bigger, despite cosily winning on both of his chasing starts.

He also has valuable Cheltenham Festival experience after being picked off by Big Buck’s in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle last year.

“We had a wobble with Punchestowns the week before last when he had a sore foot, but that is all gone and he has had a good week since,” said Henderson.

“He has had just the two runs and he did make a mistake at the downhill fence at Sandown last time.

“I would have liked to give him another run but he has high-class hurdles form that takes him to Big Buck’s, and you would have to think he would be good enough for most RSAs.

“But I am lucky enough to also have a freakishly talented horse called Long Run.”

French import Long Run breezed home on his British debut in the Feltham at Kempton over Christmas and displayed that a drop back to the minimum distance was no problem when following up at Warwick.

The five-year-old will be partnered by owner Robert Waley-Cohen’s son Sam and boasts some excellent French form, including a handful of Grade One wins.

Henderson added: “When you look at horses like Kauto Star who can win Tingle Creeks, King Georges and Gold Cups they are special as they have speed and the stamina that goes with it.

“Long Run is only a five-year-old and it frightens me that he is so good, so young.

“I also have poor old Burton Port and, in a normal year, I would be delighted to have him.

“I really can’t split them and I just pray that round three miles at Cheltenham their jumping holds, that is the main thing.”

Henderson’s trio are among a final field of 10 runners, with the Nick Williams-trained Diamond Harry another leading player for the home team.

Chasing Cars, Citizen Vic and last season’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle winner Weapon’s Amnesty are the three Irish challengers.

Flight Leader, Knockara Beau and Little Josh complete the line-up.

Nigel Twiston-Davies is expecting a big run from the latter – despite the eight-year-old having fallen twice in his last four starts, winning the other two.

“He’s a wonderful horse. I know he’s fallen twice but normally he jumps very well. We like him a lot,” said the Naunton trainer.

The Willie Mullins-trained Citizen Vic is unbeaten in his last three starts over fences and the Irish champion trainer is hopeful his charge will give a good account.

“I suppose it is another step up for him but he’s won a Grade One already and deserves his chance,” said Mullins.

“He’s stepping up in trip but he’s bred to stay and while softer ground would probably be ideal, he should handle it all right.”

Knockara Beau has played second fiddle to smart performers such as Diamond Harry, Weird Al and Burton Port since easily winning at Kelso in December.

His run behind Burton Port at Ascot last time was all the more meritorious as he lost a shoe during the race.

“He’s come on all right since Ascot. He lost a plate there and didn’t run his race at all,” said trainer George Charlton.

“He’s in great form, we’ve got him spot-on, and we’re going down there to try and see what we can do.”