LONG RUN, BUT SHORT PRICE: LONG RUN is the equine star on show at Kelso this afternoon as the former Gold Cup winner looks to a get a confidence boosting win in the 3.55.
GLIMMER OF LIGHT: The weather has relented a little to allow today’s meeting at Leicester to go-ahead but Sandown’s card on Friday and Ffos Las on Sunday have become the latest casualties of the rain.
In the week when the weights have been revealed for the Crabbie’s Grand National, which looks the most open in many years, one of the more prominent runners in the betting, Long Run, gets a spin out at Kelso this afternoon in the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase for which he will have just three rivals.
The Nicky Henderson trained runner won the Gold Cup in 2011 but has only tasted victory twice since and uncharacteristically unseated his rider when beaten in the King George at Kempton over Christmas.
Many will consider the current 1.5 on BETDAQ as ‘value’ in the context of today’s race. It’s effectively a match between himself and Knockara Beau and he is rated a full 17lb clear of that one on official ratings. But it might be dangerous to take those ratings too literally.
Knockara Beau is a horse who is in form and is something of a Kelso specialist. He comes here on the back of a remarkable 66/1 triumph in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham where he had the ‘honour’ of ending the winning run of the mighty Big Buck’s over hurdles.
Trainer George Charlton admits it would be a case of ‘lightning striking twice’ if he was to win again today but reports his charge in great form.
It should be Long Run of course, but he can’t be backed because we simply don’t know how much of his zest for the game remains intact.
Elsewhere at Kelso, the Morebattle Hurdle at 3.25 looks an interesting contest which has attracted a six-strong field.
I’m thinking last year’s winner Duke Of Navan can go close again. He has only had the two starts since last year’s win and has found himself outclassed in two Grade 1’s , last time out behind Champion Hurdle contender My Tent Or Yours in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Back in class, and on a track he clearly relishes, he looks the likely winner.
In the two mile handicap at Kempton tonight, Rutherglen switches to the flat having completed a hat-trick of juvenile wins over hurdles. He is unproven on the Polytrack but if taking to it should have plenty in hand over his rivals here.
DAQMAN’S BETS:
BET 5pts win (nap) DUKE OF NAVAN (3.25 Kelso)
BET 2.5pts win and place (Outsider Of The Day) ALNOOMAAS (5.40 Kempton)
BET 5pts win RUTHERGLEN (7.40 Kempton)
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