Plenty of company expected for Long Run at Newmarket

Nicky Henderson’s star stayer looked to have the world at his feet when landing the blue riband of National Hunt racing last spring, but he has had to make do with minor honours behind the resurgent Kauto Star on his two appearances this season.

With Kauto Star now being readied for yet another crack at the Gold Cup, his trainer Paul Nicholls has three potential challengers for Long Run this weekend in the race now named after his retired Gold Cup winner, Denman.

They are Sir Alex Ferguson’s What A Friend, who failed to fire on his only start this season in the John Smith’s Hurdle at Wetherby in October; the enigmatic Tidal Bay, who ran well in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham 10 days ago and Aiteen Thirtythree, who has disappointed on his last two appearances.

Henderson could also be represented by Burton Port, not seen in competitive action in well over a year.

Hennessy Gold Cup winner Carruthers, recent Cheltenham scorer The Giant Bolster, Halley, Medermit, Little Josh and Mr Moonshine from the Bingley yard of Sue Smith complete the entries.

n Exciting grey Grands Crus is set to put his unbeaten record over fences on the line in the Betfair Don’t Settle For Less Novices’ Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

David Pipe’s top-class staying hurdler remains hot favourite for the RSA Chase at next month’s Cheltenham Festival, but connections have not yet ruled out going for Gold Cup glory.

n Paul Nicholls concedes Zarkandar has not been trained with Saturday’s Betfair Hurdle as his highest priority – although he could still turn out to be good enough to win the prestigious Newbury handicap.

Last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner is not far off being second favourite for the Stan James Champion Hurdle itself and the first Tuesday of the Cheltenham Festival is when Nicholls wants him at his peak.

n Frost covers have already been deployed at Newbury in the hope of saving Saturday’s top class meeting.

However, today’s NH cards at Sedgefield and Market Rasen were abandoned yesterday. Tomorrow’s jumping action at Lingfield is also off – while the cards for Carlisle and Ludlow must pass inspections today.