Run leads Power charge

Long Run will face 19 rivals as he bids to get his season off to a winning start in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Nicky Henderson’s youngster suffered his first defeat in Britain in the RSA Chase at the Festival and reappears over a shorter trip. He will once again be ridden by amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen.

Henderson also runs Aintree winner Mad Max, who will be ridden by Barry Geraghty.

Poquelin, last year’s runner-up, will carry top weight although conditional jockey Ian Popham takes 5lb off his back.

Paul Nicholls, who is still searching for his first win in the race, also has Haldon Gold Cup winner Tchico Polos and Gwanako.

Nigel Twiston-Davies is another trainer with multiple entries as he fields Little Josh, who dead-heated with Weird Al on his comeback, as well as Pigeon Island and Rory Boy who are both out of the handicap.

Irish interests are held by the JP McManus-owned duo of Finger Onthe Pulse, trained by Tom Taaffe and Dancing Tornado, trained by Michael Hourigan.

McManus’ silks will also be carried by Jonjo O’Neill’s Can’t Buy Time and Sunnyhillboy.

Catch Me also represents Ireland, running out of last year’s winning stable of Edward O’Grady while Noel Glynn’s Gonebeyondrecall also runs.

Bob Buckler’s The Sawyer has been the subject of market support in recent days while David Pipe’s Festival winner Great Endeavour is another to have been strong in the ante-post market.