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 Denman Chase.
And for much of the three-mile (4800m) 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, having 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 (4.5kg).
“That was just what we wanted,” Waley-Cohen said.
“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.”
PA AAP TURF
