Long Run has been slashed to second-favouritewith the sponsors for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after denying Kauto Star a fifth successive King George VI Chase at Kempton this afternoon.

The six-year-old capped off a five-timer for trainer Nicky Henderson who could have had a sixth had A Media Luz not fallen when looking in control of the opening juvenile hurdle.

“Long Run’s victory in the King George has definitely ushered in a new era at the top of the chasing tree and he sits only behind reigning champion Imperial Commander in the Gold Cup betting,” said totesport spokesman George Primarolo.

Earlier on the card, Binocular bounced back to form when winning the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle with ease and the current Champion Hurdler is now the favourite with totesport for this year’s renewal.

“Binocular dispelled the theory that he is solely a spring horse with an authoritative victory in the Christmas Hurdle and he’s the one they all have to beat back at Cheltenham in March,’ totesport spokesman George Primarolo told Cheltenhampro.

Over at Warwick, West End Rocker slogged through the mud to take the totesport.com Classic Chase and has been given a quote of 25/1 by totesport for the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree in April.