Long Run favourite to retain Cheltenham Gold Cup 2012

Although beaten on his seasonal reappearance behind Kauto Star at Haydock in November, there were no obvious signs of disappointment in the Long Run camp. Haydock is a pretty stiff test and Long Run has been difficult to get fit first time out so it was an encouraging display in the circumstances. Of course they will be expecting much more when they defend the King George VI Chase on Boxing day, almost certainly against the same rival who already has four King George victories under his belt.

Long Run established himself among chasing’s elite when running away with the King George at Kempton, spoiling the Kauto Star party in the process as he was left trailing in third place seeking a record fifth win in the race. It was an awesome display by the French-bred gelding as he quickened away to win comfortably by 12 lengths. Nicky Henderson immediately set his sights on Cheltenham and produced the horse in perfect shape to beat the Paul Nicholls pair of Denman and Kauto Star at the festival in March, eventually drawing clear to win by 7 lengths. His amateur jockey, Sam Waley-Cohen, rode the horse superbly and almost pulled off a remarkable double when narrowly beaten in the Grand National aboard Oscar Time.

Henderson has made no secret of the fact that the King George and the Cheltenham Gold Cup are the two big race targets for Long Run this season. Although he was beaten 8 lengths at Haydock, he had not jumped with his usual fluency and it was much to his credit that he stuck on to the finishing line. It must also be remembered that he is five years younger than his Haydock conqueror and it will take an exceptional horse to prize away his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown in 2012.

The recent retirement of Denman who has finished runner-up in the last three Gold Cups and the fast that Kauto Star is reaching the autumn of his fine career suggests it is time for new pretenders to appear on the scene. Long Run is currently 11-4 favourite to retain his crown with Kauto Star 12-1. Of the up and coming rivals, Captain Chris and Quito De La Roque feature at 16-1, the same price as David Pipe’s star novice Grand Crus. The picture will become a lot clearer on Boxing day and 11-4 could look a good price in the Cheltenham ante-post betting market.