Nicky Henderson believes that Long Run will be in fine form when he looks for back-to-back victories in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. (credit: Carine06)
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Nicky Henderson believes that Long Run will be in fine form when he looks for back-to-back victories in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The trainer believes that his stable star was far from 100% when he was defeated by Kauto Star at Haydock earlier this month and Henderson can’t wait for a rematch with the winner.
Long Run beat Kauto Star in last year's King George, before he lowered the colours of the legendary chaser for the second time in the Gold Cup and Henderson will no doubt be hoping for a similar story this season.
Henderson explained: "He was fit at Haydock but I think he's a fellow who does get a bit rusty. We're not making acres of excuses, though. Kauto beat us fair and square. Paul had got him pretty ready for the day. We were pretty ready for the day as well but we weren't ready enough.
"We'll think about doing some serious worknext week but now he has the run under his belt he won't need an awful lot. We hope he is a real star and he has the King George and the Gold Cup to prove that."
With Long Run, Kauto Star and fellow Paul Nicholls inmate Master Minded just three horses set to line up at Kempton on Boxing Day, the 2011 King George really does looks set to be a race to savour.
