Racing:The stage is set for Kauto Star and Long Run to clash again in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 16th. Both star names appeared among a total of 34 entries for the blue riband event on the final day of the festival.
Last year it looked as if Long Run had signalled a new era for steeplechasing when dethroning Kauto Star in the King George at Kempton, preventing a fifth straight success in the Christmas highlight. When Nicky Henderson’s youngster then saw him off again in the Gold Cup, along with the now-retired Denman, it appeared Long Run was the one to beat.
However, Kauto Star has already created history once by becoming the first horse to reclaim the Gold Cup and he is a general 4-1 shot to claim another place in the record books. He saw off Long Run by eight lengths at Haydock and while his younger rival closed the gap at Kempton, Paul Nicholls’ superstar reclaimed his King George crown.
Kauto Star is aiming to become the first 12-year-old winner of the race since What A Myth in 1969. Henderson has also entered long-term absentee Burton Port and surprisingly Finian’s Rainbow, while Nicholls could run What A Friend, who was fourth 12 months ago, Tidal Bay, Poquelin and The Minack.
David Pipe’s novice Grands Crus is regarded by some as a potential fly in the ointment for the big two. He managed to beat all bar the seemingly-unbeatable Big Buck’s over hurdles last term and has taken to fences seamlessly, with a Grade One win already under his belt. Pipe may also run Junior, a festival winner last term.
Jonjo O’Neill’s Synchronised burst onto the Gold Cup scene when beating the best Ireland had to offer in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown and would be a force on soft ground. Dual Ryanair winner Albertas Run has also been entered.
One of last season’s best staying novices was Gordon Elliott’s Jessies Dream and while he has not been out this season, his whole campaign is being built around the Gold Cup. Another Irish challenger is Quito De La Roque for the excellent Colm Murphy while last year’s RSA winner Bostons Angel is also entered.
Willie Mullins has entered Apt Approach, Quel Esprit and The Midnight Club while Magnanimity could run for Dessie Hughes.
Time For Rupert, Little Josh, Weird Al and Mon Mome also appear among the entries. Also there is China Rock, who was in the process of running a massive race last season when he picked up an injury.
“China Rock is running over hurdles at Punchestown on Saturday and we hope that he can head to Cheltenham once again as he was in the process of running a big race before breaking down in the Gold Cup last year,” said his trainer Mouse Morris.
“He had stem cell treatment, like War Of Attrition received, afterwards and has been back in training quite a while now. The ground is important to him as he wants a decent surface.”