The highly talented Long Run looks set to tackle the RSA Chase at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, despite trainer Nicky Henderson running him over two miles at Ascot on Saturday
After making the trip to Britain from France last year, Long Run made a hugely impressive seasonal debut for his new trainer and punters have been eagerly waiting to hear what will be his Festival target this March.
"It's a little bit of a whim. He's got lots of speed. I'm not saying he will beat Paul's (Nicholls) horse (Take The Breeze) over two miles," Henderson explained.
"You've got a five-year-old who's already done quite a lot. I want him to have one more prep race before Cheltenham.
"As for going three miles, that's quite a long way. He's a very young horse and it's miles easier for him to race over two miles because he's capable of doing so.
"Three miles is hard work in this ground. I just think it's an easier prep race for him - win, lose or draw.
"If we can keep him down in trip I can keep this horse longer. I know he's been running over longer distance but there's no need to do it before the RSA.
"Everybody's thinking this is a trial for the Arkle. I would think it's 99% certain he'll run in the RSA."
"He stays, he's got a huge amount of talent and an awful lot of speed."
Follow this link to Ladbrokes for information on how to get a free bet on this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
RSA Novices Chase - Ladbrokes
3m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2010
7/2 Punchestowns, 6 Long Run, 6 Diamond Harry, 10 Weird Al, 12 Weapons Amnesty, 12 Pandorama, 12 Mikael D’Haguenet, 16 Inchidaly Rock, 16 Tazbar, 20 Bensalem, 20 Burton Pont, 25 Hey Big Spender, 25 The Nightingale, 25 Uimhiraceathair, 33 bar, others on request (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
