Perfect preparations for Long Run

After superb victories during his early career, including wins over both Kauto Star and Denman, the seven-year-old has struggled for form over the last year and has found himself outclassed in a number of top races, most notably the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
However, the Nicky Henderson-trained horse now seems to be coming good at the perfect time and proved his class by coming through to beat Burton Point by half a length at the Berkshire course.
Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, who was on-board for the win, is also likely to pilot him at Cheltenham and says he is pleased by how the horse is shaping up ahead of the biggest jump festival in racing.
“That was just what we wanted,” Waley-Cohen told Sporting Life.
“I was really pleased with his jumping. That is exactly the confidence boost you want to go to the Gold Cup with.
“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” he added.