LONG RUN WORKS HARD FOR NEWBURY WIN
Long Run's connections declared themselves thoroughly satisfied after the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero continued his Festival preparations with a workmanlike victory at Newbury.
After defeating old warriors Denman and Kauto Star in the blue riband last March, it seemed Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old was ready to dominate the staying chase division for years to come.
Things have not gone exactly to script, with a rejuvenated Kauto Star rediscovering his very best form and galloping Long Run into submission in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
But with the legendary staying chaser heading straight to the Festival, Long Run had a gilt-edged chance to get back to winning ways in the rescheduled Betfair Denman Chase.
And for much of the three-mile journey, all went swimmingly.
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was happy to take a lead off The Giant Bolster and when that one weakened, 4-7 favourite Long Run eased to the front.
But stablemate Burton Port, making his first start in well over a year, and the enigmatic What A Friend made ground to make a real race of it after the final fence.
Burton Port in particular ran a barnstorming race and got to within half a length of Long Run at the line - albeit in receipt of 10lb.
Waley-Cohen said: "That was just what we wanted.
"I was really pleased with his jumping. He was a little careless with the water (jump), but apart from that he's jumped really well. You couldn't ask for more from a seasoned chaser.
"That is exactly the confidence boost you want to go to the Gold Cup with.
"We took the earplugs out but I'm not sure that made a big difference.
"In a funny way, he felt like a different horse altogether today.
"In the paddock he was more alert and looking more up for it and he's just gone out there and done it really well.
"We went a right good gallop and, if anything, I think we've learnt how to set him up for a fence when you are going that big quicker."
Henderson added: "Sam said there was loads there and he was enjoying himself.
"He jumped great and he's taken him there tanking on the bit.
"He was much more fluent today.
"Burton Port has been amazing us all. He will run in the Gold Cup as well and he's been working completely differently to two years ago.
"He's a stone better than he ever was before."
Robert Waley-Cohen, the jockey's father and winning owner, said: "It's a huge relief. We were giving a lot of weight to some very good horses.
"He did it really well and jumped absolutely fantastically. Hopefully we can do away with the careless jumping now for the rest of his career.
"I couldn't be happier as he was giving 10lb to some good horses and he will be meeting them at level weights (in the Gold Cup).
"Does he need to improve to beat Kauto Star? It's hard to tell. It's a different trip. He beat Kauto Star last year, maybe it's a different Kauto Star that's going to turn up this year.
"On that performance you would say Long Run and Kauto Star are the two that are going to be battling it out up the famous hill at Cheltenham.
"Sam said he was idling today and there was plenty left.
"He looked a far bouncier and happier horse in the paddock."
Paddy Power eased Long Run a fraction to 9-4 from 2-1 to retain his Gold Cup crown, while Burton Port has unsurprisingly been slashed to 8-1 from 25-1.
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SPRINTER SACRE CRUISES IN AT NEWBURY
Sprinter Sacre further enhanced his growing reputation with a superb performance in the Betfair Super Saturday Chase at Newbury on Friday afternoon.
Nicky Henderson's exciting novice followed up a foot-perfect fencing debut at Doncaster by annihilating Peddlers Cross at Kempton and this was his first start outside novice company.
Barry Geraghty was keen to settle the 2-5 favourite in behind rivals in the early stages of the Grade Two contest, better known as the Game Spirit Chase, but he soon pulled his way through the field.
Jumping boldly, the six-year-old went into a clear lead heading down the back straight and soon had his rivals in serious trouble.
French Opera did his best to keep tabs on his stablemate on the run for home on his seasonal reappearance, but Sprinter Sacre was still on the bridle and he came home with six lengths in hand without being extended.
Paddy Power make the gelding the 6-4 favourite from 9-4 for the Arkle Trophy at next month's Cheltenham Festival while William Hill go evens about his chance.
Geraghty said: "I'm not sure I've ever ridden anything like that - he's electric.
He has scope and travels and when he popped the last it was a relief that he was thinking that way.
"He jumped so well - he's an unbelievable horse.
"You can never take anything for granted and Cheltenham is a different place. He'd want to switch off as well.
"He popped the last down the back and he was good and clever at the last.
"The main thing I wanted from today was that he went and popped, rather than being flash."
Henderson said: "The idea was to try and hold him up, but when he jumped past French Opera in the air he was going too well.
"Remittance Man (1991 Arkle winner) was very similar, but he was a wiry, whereas this is a lovely-looking horse.
"He's probably got more gears than Remittance Man, too. It's scary what he can do."
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ASCOT PRIZE SET IN STONE
SATURDAY SELECTIONS:
ASCOT: 1.15 Keys, 1.50 Silviniaco Conti, 2.25 Penny Max, 3.00 KAUTO STONE (NAP), 3.35 Sarando, 4.10 Balder Succes, 4.45 Sin Bin.
GOWRAN: 1.35 Harpsy Cord, 2.05 Rubi Light, 2.40 Kilflora, 3.15 Zaidpour, 3.50 Around The Clock, 4.25 Kings Canyon, 4.55 Undone.
HAYDOCK: 1.35 Une Artiste, 2.10 Real Milan, 2.45 Featherbed Lane, 3.20 Rey Nacarado, 3.55 Palace Jester, 4.30 Majala, 5.00 Hills Of Aran.
LINGFIELD: 1.10 Crowning Star, 1.40 Icelander, 2.15 Available, 2.50 Numeral, 3.25 Cliffords Reprieve, 4.00 My Lord, 4.35 Belle Josephine, 5.05 Daniel Thomas.
WINCANTON: 12.55 Fair Breeze, 1.25 Spare Me, 2.00 Rolling Aces, 2.35 Theatre Diva, 3.10 Marodima, 3.45 Binocular, 4.20 Ballyegan, 4.50 Seventh Sky.
DOUBLE: Kauto Stone and Rey Nacarado.
Kauto Stone has attracted plenty of hype after joining the Paul Nicholls team this year and he can really start to justify the buzz with victory at Ascot.
A half-brother to Nicholls' legendary Kauto Star, Kauto Stone is no slouch himself having been up to Grade One standard in France as a four-year-old.
Picked up by Nicholls for the start of this year, Kauto Stone wasted no time in getting off the mark for new connections when thoroughly impressing on his Down Royal debut.
He may have made a few minor jumping errors that day, but he was smart enough to overcome them and his six-and-a-half-length beating of Roi Du Mee looks even better now as third home Blazing Tempo has since won at Grade Two level herself.
Dropped back half a mile next time for the Tingle Creek at Sandown, Kauto Stone did his best to keep tabs on Sizing Europe and while proving no match for the Irish ace, he lost little in defeat.
Kauto Stone's record suggests he is not quite as his best over the minimum trip, so the step back up in distance here combined with a little ease in the ground could be a winning combination.
Nicholls should also be on the mark with Silviniaco Conti in the Sodexo Prestige Reynoldstown Novices' Chase.
He had to give best to Grands Crus on his most recent start but that was no disgrace given that one's short odds for the RSA Chase.
The six-year-old gave it his best shot but a couple of questionable leaps hardly helped his cause and he should feel the benefit of a slight dip in company.
Rey Nacarado can take full advantage of his featherweight in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock.
The presence of Neptune Collonges at the top of the weights means Charlie Longsdon's runner is competing from out of the handicap.
However, with just 10st on his back, Rey Nacarado could find that light weight crucial in a race that often becomes something of a slog.
The ease in the ground will help his chance and Rey Nacarado arrives here on the back of career-best effort when winning at Newbury on New Year's Eve.
The seven-year-old certainly relishes these marathon trips and being a thoroughly consistent type, you can count on him not to down tools when the going gets tough.
Featherbed Lane should probably have won last time but he can right that wrong as he makes a first foray into Graded company in the Betfred Goals Galore Hurdle.
This race, better known as the Rendlesham, should give trainer Philip Hobbs a good steer as to Festival targets after two decent handicap verdicts this term.
It should probably be three wins to his credit as he just lost out in the Lanzarote when his rider fumbled his reins in the finish.
Victory would surely be adequate compensation for that narrow defeat.
Grandouet was due to tackle the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton but a late setback for that runner sees stablemate Binocular line up instead.
That should prove no bar to success for trainer Nicky Henderson though, as Binocular is a top-class individual who seems to be starting to hit top form again.
Winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2010, Binocular was well beaten by Overturn at Newcastle on his seasonal bow, but made amends with victory in the Christmas Hurdle and can follow up here.
At Lingfield, Numeral can take top honours in the feature Get Your Bet On At Blue Square Handicap.
Three times a winner on the all-weather towards the end of last year, he possibly just needed the run when fourth on his return from a short break.
Numeral should be a bit fitter this time and a strong pace would help his chances.
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MAJOR CHANCE IN NATIONAL TRIAL
1350 Ascot: Sodexo Prestige Reynoldstown Novices' Chase
BOBS WORTH was never going the pace when third to Grands Crus in the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day and has a little to find with runner-up Silviniaco Conti on that run. However, that was only his second defeat under Rules and this stiffer track will suit him better than his old rival, whose best form previously was over shorter.
The hat-trick-seeking Baile Anrai needs to improve but stays well as does Alfie Spinner, though he has something to find with the likely market rivals on a line through Grands Crus. Invictus should appreciate the step up to 3m and Helpston has been on an upward curve this winter, but Our Island is still chasing a first win over fences and was out on his feet when tailed off in the Welsh National last time.
1410 Haydock: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
This may be just too tough for Thehillofuisneach conceding weight all round as his three recent wins have come in handicap company. Track and trip will suit Brindisi Breeze, however, while Real Milan has won both starts over hurdles and should have no problem with the step up to 3m. Ambion Wood was only beaten half-a-lengthy by Cotton Mill in a Grade 2 at Warwick last month and also goes on the short-list while Ruben Cotter and Fighting Flynn are improving with experience and sure to be winning soon.
Meister Eckhart is still unbeaten but more interesting is HARRY TOPPER, who has always been held in high regard and had no trouble defying a big weight at Wincanton last month. He has a real stayer's pedigree and can complete the hat-trick.
1425 Ascot: Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Chase
Hell's Bay and Tullamore Dew have disappointed this term, while Massini's Maguire and Be There In Five were both pulled up on their belated reappearances. Penny Max is an improving novice who is probably fairly treated and The Minack can't be ignored, despite top weight. He may have been a little fortunate to win over C&D in December, however, and is 9lb higher now. This may be too far for Chance Du Roy but Pearlysteps stays well and his second to According To Pete at Haydock four weeks ago was a cracking effort.
Like Crescent Island, EXMOOR RANGER never seems to run two races alike and unseated his rider in this race 12 months ago. But he's a decent handicapper when he gets his act together, as he proved over C&D in October, and he gets a tentative vote today.
1445 Haydock: Betfred Goals Galore Hurdle
Cross Kennon won this last year for Jennie Candlish when carrying 4lb less. He didn't make much impression back over hurdles at Ascot in December, however, and may struggle to beat third Kayf Aramis again. Veteran Powerstation has gone off the boil a little since winning at Navan while Benny Be Good may be found wanting at this level, but Restless Harry would have claims on his best form and Reindeer Dippin ticks a lot of the right boxes and comes here off the back of a C&D win on heavy ground four weeks ago.
FEATHERBED LANE cantered clear of the 10-year-old over 2m4f at Aintree in December and is only 3lb worse off here. Philip Hobbs' improving gelding deserves his chance in this better grade and should take all the beating if lasting home as his latest second at Kempton was another cracking effort at the weights.
1500 Ascot: Betfair Ascot Chase
RIVERSIDE THEATRE easily beat Gauvain in this 12 months ago. He hasn't raced since but generally goes well fresh and it will take an improved effort from one of his rivals to deny him as long as the ground doesn't get any softer. Medermit is tough and has run well in all three starts this season, just failing to 12lb to Quantitiveeasing in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham in December when I'msingingtheblues was back in fifth.
Alan King's grey may be the one to cash in should the selection not fire, though Tingle Creek runner-up Kauto Stone is still relatively unexposed and will appreciate the step back up in distance. Tatenen looks the pick of the remainder but has a mountain to climb at the weights.
1520 Haydock: Betfred Grand National Trial
Rey Nacarado was always going well when scoring at Newbury in December but had earlier failed to cope with Giles Cross in receipt of 14lb in the Southern National at Fontwell. Victor Dartnall's stayer is 9lb better off here with his old rival having to race out of the handicap proper. Last year's third Le Beau Bai beat Giles Cross in the Welsh National, despite carrying 4lb more than his allotted weight. But he will surely struggle to confirm that form on 7lb worse terms while Ballyfitz was pulled up at Chepstow and is very unreliable.
Always Right disappointed in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on his latest start and former Grand National winner Mon Mome was pulled up over 3m here last month when King Fontaine took a heavy fall at the second fence. Mohayer is much-improved this season but this is easiest his toughest task to date and more interesting is top weight Neptune Collonges, who was second off this mark at Sandown last time. Harry Derham again takes off 7lb.
MAJOR MALARKEY was pulled up in this last year but had Sona Sasta and Miko De Beauchene behind when fourth at Warwick last month and, though he has a bit to find with runner-up Fredo on the form book, is fancied to come out on top today with the ground is in his favour.
1535 Ascot: Betfair. Don't Settle For Less Handicap Hurdle
Smad Place produced a cracking effort to beat good yardstick Shoreacres by seven lengths on his reappearance over C&D. He's 7lb higher now but should give another good account. Swincombe Flame landed a big gamble at Kempton on her handicap debut and is still on an upward curve, while Mountainous has won his last two starts at Ffos Las with a bit in hand. Vino Griego and King Edmund are better over fences but Art Professor has claims on his best form and is worth another try over this longer trip.
VALID REASON steps out of novice company for the first time but his defeat of Deireadh Re over 2m6f here in November has worked out well and he was awarded the race in the stewards' room when narrowly beaten under a penalty at Towcester next time. Dean Ivory's gelding was a tough sort on the Flat and can maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles. though Dunraven Storm should strip fitter for his run at Taunton.
1545 Wincanton: Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle
Nearby and Lucaindubai have little chance in this company on today's terms but the remaining trio are all engaged in next month's Champion Hurdle at the Festival. BINOCULAR will be attempting to win that race for the second time and was back to something like his best when landing the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Nicky Henderson's charge gets the vote to confirm earlier running with Celestial Halo and take this on his way to Cheltenham. The latter has won twice since finishing behind the selection and looks sure to make a fight of it, but Starluck will need to be at his best on his reappearance if he's to reverse earlier form with the likely favourite.
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INVICTUS SEEKING ASCOT REDEMPTION
Alan King is hoping to see Invictus put a disappointing run at Cheltenham on New Year's Day well behind him in the Sodexo Prestige Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
The six-year-old had looked a natural over fences when winning his first two starts this season but never looked comfortable when third behind Champion Court in the Dipper Novices' Chase.
It later transpired that Invictus had a valid excuse for his lacklustre display and King is keen to find out where he stands in the pecking order as he faces a stiff task against the likes of Bobs Worth and Silviniaco Conti.
"We had Invictus entered in two races there, but we have opted to go for the Reynoldstown Chase," said King.
"He was disappointing in the Dipper at Cheltenham over the New Year, but he twisted a shoe during the race which would not have helped, and he was sore for a while afterwards.
"He has had a nice break and we have always thought a lot of him, so this is a good chance to find out where we stand," he told www.alankingracing.co.uk.
Paul Nicholls has always thought the world of Silviniaco Conti and his faith has not wavered despite his defeat behind Grands Crus in the Feltham at Christmas.
The champion trainer is also perplexed as to his position in the RSA market as he finished in front of Bobs Worth at Kempton.
"We haven't decided about Cheltenham as I still see him as next year's horse and we could mind him and go to Aintree instead," said Nicholls.
"He ran an absolute blinder in the Feltham and I still don't know why Bobs Worth is a shorter price than he is (for the RSA) because he beat him fair and square.
"He keeps improving and I think he'll be in all the top three-mile races next year."
Pam Sly is realistic about Helpston's prospects and hopes he can pick up some prize money.
"He's very well and we've nowhere else to run him really," said Sly.
"He was going to run at Wetherby, but that was lost to the weather and his only other option is Newcastle next week and it could be a bit cold again by then.
"If he can finish third or fourth we'd be delighted but we don't expect to beat the big boys.
"He's on 140 at the minute and his second at Wetherby has worked out well as According To Pete has won again since.
"I've got my eye on the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and Gina Andrews got on well with him last time so would likely ride him again."
Bobs Worth has had a breathing operation since running at Kempton, but jockey Barry Geraghty hopes the procudure can help him reverse form with Silviniaco Conti.
"I'm hopeful of a good performance," he said in his At The Races blog.
"It's his first run since he was beaten for the first time over obstacles at Kempton on Boxing Day when he was third to Grands Crus, form that leaves him with three lengths to find on Silviniaco Conti.
"I'll always have a soft spot for Bobs as I had him as a young horse and I'm hoping that the wind op he had after Kempton has helped him.
"I'm sure he'll acquit himself well, but all roads lead to Cheltenham next month."
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