Betfair Denman Chase Result: Long Run passes test at Newbury

News / Timeform / 17 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Long Run wins the Denman Chase

"That was just what we wanted. I was really pleased with his jumping."

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 for the Timeform 182-rated chaser though, 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 Betfair Denman Chase.

And for much of the three-mile journey, all went swimmingly.

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was happy to take a lead off The Giant Bolster and when that one weakened, [1.73] favourite Long Run eased to the front.

But stablemate Burton Port, making his first start since running to a much-improved figure when second in the 2010 Hennessy, 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 fantastic race, trading at an in-running low of [2.94] (Betfair SP of [10.50]), and got to within half a length of Long Run at the line - albeit in receipt of 10lb.

Waley-Cohen said: "That was just what we wanted.

"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."

Henderson added: "Sam said there was loads there and he was enjoying himself.

"He jumped great and he's taken him there tanking on the bit. He was much more fluent today.

"Burton Port has been amazing us all. He will run in the Gold Cup as well and he's been working completely differently to two years ago. He's a stone better than he ever was before."

Robert Waley-Cohen, the jockey's father and winning owner, said: "It's a huge relief. We were giving a lot of weight to some very good horses.

"He did it really well and jumped absolutely fantastically. Hopefully we can do away with the careless jumping now for the rest of his career.

"I couldn't be happier as he was giving 10l b to some good horses and he will be meeting them at level weights (in the Gold Cup).

"Does he need to improve to beat Kauto Star? It's hard to tell. It's a different trip. He beat Kauto Star last year, maybe it's a different Kauto Star that's going to turn up this year.

"On that performance you would say Long Run and Kauto Star are the two that are going to be battling it out up the famous hill at Cheltenham.

"Sam said he was idling today and there was plenty left.

"He looked a far bouncier and happier horse in the paddock."

Long Run now trades at [3.55] in his bid to retain his Gold Cup crown, while Burton Port has unsurprisingly been supported in to [13.5].

Burton Port is also now [19.0] for the Grand National having previously traded at a whopping [280.0].
...........
Timeform's Horses to Follow Extra Ascot Chase issue is out now and features no less than six big-race previews and an interview with Alan King.

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With a big weekend of action 'Down Under', Timeform Radio brings you another international racing preview......

Champion Hurdle hopeful Zarkandar landed Newbury's Betfair Hurdle on Friday, whilst Long Run got back to winning ways and Sprinter Sacre enhanced his already lofty reputation......

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Betfair Denman Chase Result: Long Run passes test at Newbury

News / Timeform / 17 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Long Run wins the Denman Chase

"That was just what we wanted. I was really pleased with his jumping."

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 for the Timeform 182-rated chaser though, 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 Betfair Denman Chase.

And for much of the three-mile journey, all went swimmingly.

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen was happy to take a lead off The Giant Bolster and when that one weakened, [1.73] favourite Long Run eased to the front.

But stablemate Burton Port, making his first start since running to a much-improved figure when second in the 2010 Hennessy, 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 fantastic race, trading at an in-running low of [2.94] (Betfair SP of [10.50]), and got to within half a length of Long Run at the line - albeit in receipt of 10lb.

Waley-Cohen said: "That was just what we wanted.

"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."

Henderson added: "Sam said there was loads there and he was enjoying himself.

"He jumped great and he's taken him there tanking on the bit. He was much more fluent today.

"Burton Port has been amazing us all. He will run in the Gold Cup as well and he's been working completely differently to two years ago. He's a stone better than he ever was before."

Robert Waley-Cohen, the jockey's father and winning owner, said: "It's a huge relief. We were giving a lot of weight to some very good horses.

"He did it really well and jumped absolutely fantastically. Hopefully we can do away with the careless jumping now for the rest of his career.

"I couldn't be happier as he was giving 10l b to some good horses and he will be meeting them at level weights (in the Gold Cup).

"Does he need to improve to beat Kauto Star? It's hard to tell. It's a different trip. He beat Kauto Star last year, maybe it's a different Kauto Star that's going to turn up this year.

"On that performance you would say Long Run and Kauto Star are the two that are going to be battling it out up the famous hill at Cheltenham.

"Sam said he was idling today and there was plenty left.

"He looked a far bouncier and happier horse in the paddock."

Long Run now trades at [3.55] in his bid to retain his Gold Cup crown, while Burton Port has unsurprisingly been supported in to [13.5].

Burton Port is also now [19.0] for the Grand National having previously traded at a whopping [280.0].
...........
Timeform's Horses to Follow Extra Ascot Chase issue is out now and features no less than six big-race previews and an interview with Alan King.

Last week the world's highest Timeform rated sprinter Black Caviar (135+) put to rest any doubts about her handling 1400m with an emphatic victory in the G1 C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield however on Saturday she faces a new challenge....

With a big weekend of action 'Down Under', Timeform Radio brings you another international racing preview......

Champion Hurdle hopeful Zarkandar landed Newbury's Betfair Hurdle on Friday, whilst Long Run got back to winning ways and Sprinter Sacre enhanced his already lofty reputation......

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Betfair Denman Chase: Run fails to scare off rivals

News / Timeform / 06 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Long Run will be looking to record a win at Newbury.

"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..."

Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Long Run could face up to 10 rivals as he bids to get off the mark for the season in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury...

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 to Long Run this weekend in the race now named after his retired Gold Cup winner, Denman.

What A Friend, who failed to fire on his only start this season in a hurdle race at Wetherby in October, the enigmatic Tidal Bay, who finished second in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham last time and Aiteen Thirtythree who has disappointed on his last two appearances.

"What A Friend has been trained for two races this year - the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Punchestown Gold Cup. I expect Daryl (Jacob) to ride him in the Gold Cup," said Nicholls.

"He came back really sick from Wetherby but has run well at Newbury before.

"Aiteen Thirtythree will definitely run as Paul (Barber, Denman's owner) wants a runner.

"He has been disappointing and not finishing his races off and will run with a tongue-tie and crossed noseband.

"Tidal Bay ran a really good race in the Argento Chase and was going to go straight for the Gold Cup and then on to Aintree but he came out very fresh and well. We stuck him in the Denman Chase and we'll see what's in it. He might well run."

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 complete the entries.

Timeform Top 5 Ratings (Master) for the Betfair Denman Chase
182 Long Run
166 What A Friend
163 Burton Port
162 Medermit
160 Tidal Bay

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

A healthy 397 entries have been made for the US Triple Crown, with a smattering of British and Irish-trained horses in the mix, including two from Ballydoyle......

Owner Dai Walters believes Oscar Whisky could head straight for a mouth-watering clash with Bug Buck's in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival......

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Betfair Denman Chase: Carruthers on target after serious injury scare

News / Timeform / 01 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Mark Bradstock's Carruthers.

""He's OK now, but we were extremely lucky in that melee at the first bend at Chepstow..."

Carruthers could be back in action at Newbury on Saturday week after escaping serious injury in the Coral Welsh National.

The Hennessy hero, who won that Grade handicap despite running to a Timeform rating still 7 lb shy of his peak 158 figure, needed several stitches after being badly struck into in the Chepstow marathon.

Mark Bradstock's popular nine-year-old, owned and bred by Lord Oaksey, claimed a famous success when making most of the running at Newbury in November and may be fit enough to return there for the Betfair Denman Chase.

"He's OK now, but we were extremely lucky in that melee at the first bend at Chepstow because a centimetre either way could have been structural damage and fatal, but it was nasty and through to the bone," said trainer Mark Bradstock's wife and assistant Sara.

"That would have gone a long way to explaining the run. He hated been stuck in the middle of the bunch anyway, but he would have been lacking power off one back leg.

"Probably the fact he went a circuit doing that has been a bit of an overstrain on a hamstring. It's not bad, but he's not lame, it's just a tweak.

"He gives his all, so he has to be perfect.

"He's back in training and the plan is to go to Newbury. Whether he will make that or not we don't know at this stage. We'll see how he is at the end of the week."

Looking further ahead, Carruthers is currently [180.0] for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race in which he finished ninth last year but fourth to Imperial Commander in 2010.

George Charlton has Cheltenham Festival aspirations for Knockara Beau following his third-placed finish in the Argento Chase....

As expected, last year's Grand National hero Ballabriggs will return for another crack at the Aintree showpiece on Saturday April 14......

Trainer Robbie Hennessy will follow a tried-and-tested route by running Rubi Light at Gowran before heading to Cheltenham......

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Paul Nicholls: Don't forget about Denman!

Latest News / Paul Nicholls / 02 December 2011 / Leave a Comment

Denman is 'a seriously big price' at 26 for the Gold Cup, according to Paul Nicholls

"We saw how Kauto Star’s Gold Cup price plummeted after the Betfair Chase, and I can tell you now that Denman will be as fit at Leopardstown at the end of the month as Kauto was at Haydock."

Amid all the excitement about stablemates such as Kauto Star and Master Minded, Denman has been out of the spotlight in recent months. But Paul insists there is plenty to come from 'the forgotten horse'...

It is not often that one of the best horses in recent decades slips under the radar. But does anyone remember a horse called Denman?

You may vaguely recall him. Big sort, who we have had a bit of luck with since he joined us in 2005 after winning his sole start in an Irish point.

Yes, that's the one. The 10-length winner of the Sun Alliance in 2007; the Hennessy winner in 2007 and 2009 who managed to squeeze in a seven-length defeat of Kauto Star in the 2008 Gold Cup in between. And runner-up in two other Cheltenham Gold Cups besides.

But how many calls have I taken about him this season? I am struggling to recall one outside of the usual stable tour visits.

I know we have been fortunate enough to enjoy success after success on big Saturdays this season, with Kauto Star, Big Buck's, Master Minded and any number of potential stars beginning to show their hand.

But I am still a touch surprised at how Denman has failed to attract any column inches.

That actually suits me just fine after the "should he, shouldn't he?" nonsense with Kauto before his win in the Betfair Chase. But I can tell you that the "Forgotten Horse", as I shall call him for now, is in great order as we prepare him for the Lexus at Leopardstown on December 28.

Rather like Kauto Star, I suspect that too many people remember Denman for his disappointing sign-off to last season, in his case at Aintree. But focus on his Newbury run - leading him in after the race there, you would have sworn he had won his third Hennessy, not finished third - or his second in the Gold Cup, and then we are talking.

And talking that he looks seriously big price at 26 on Betfair for the Gold Cup next March.

We saw how Kauto Star's Gold Cup price plummeted after the Betfair Chase, and I can tell you now that Denman will be as fit at Leopardstown at the end of the month as Kauto was at Haydock. He will be 100%. It would be asking him too much to win in the manner Kauto did, but this horse is not to be dismissed lightly in any company, even at 11.

Put it this way, I would like to see someone go in his box and tell him, anyway!

Susie May looks after him this season and is doing a great job. He goes well for a girl, and is certainly not the easiest to handle as he can be a very awkward so-and-so.

We took him for a racecourse gallop this morning - he will have another in a fortnight's time - and he went really, really well. He went 2m under Daryl in company with Tidal Bay (Nick Scholfield) and Noland (Harry Skelton), and looked great.

And now we will put some real hard graft into him, stoking the work into him, and he can take it, too.

He will have two or three canters up the hill every day apart from Sunday, as well as an hour and an quarter on the walker each day. As well as regular fast work too.

He came in with Kauto a fortnight after everything else, on August 1, and was as fat as a pig. But he knows he isn't on holiday any more, and is getting meaner and leaner. But he is thriving on the work and his appetite for the job is still readily apparent.

So the Lexus, a race he won in 2007 before winning the Gold Cup that season, is the plan and then straight to Cheltenham.

I have always said that I hope Kauto Star and Denman, the best of friends, will spend their retirement together in a field somewhere. And I have always said that when they do retire, I will make a comeback in the saddle to take Denman hunting, with Ruby on Kauto. But that is hopefully a long way off just yet.

Because the last thing that Denman would want is for his great mate to be solely in the Gold Cup limelight, without getting a look-in of his own.

And what a sign off it would be were he turn up again Cheltenham in March.

Forgotten for the time being maybe. But certainly not gone - not just yet.

The breaking news from Ditcheat is that Tataniano is unfortunately out for the season....

It's party time at Manor Farm as Paul celebrates his 2,000th winner and with a phenomenal cast of hurdlers at Ditcheat hopes are high that the team can land one of the sport's biggest prizes at Cheltenham 2012...

Kauto Star made history on Saturday, winning the Betfair Chase for a record fourth time. To mark his stunning victory, we are giving you the chance to win exclusive Betfair scarves stamped by the legendary horse as well as, for one lucky person, a limited edition framed photo print signed by Paul Nicholls and stamped by Kauto......

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Follow The Money: Denman vulnerable to young pretender?

Follow the Money / Follow The Money / 07 April 2011 / Leave a Comment

Lay of the day - Denman

"Denman has been drifting this morning from [2.08] out to [2.42]."

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Aintree, Hereford and Ripon.

Our first race is the 14:10 at Ripon where Almond Branches has had strong support to move from [28.00] in to [7.80]. Out of Dutch Art, the Prix Morny and Middle Park winner, this filly will be hoping to follow her sire's first progeny which won recently on the all weather. With no form to go on for any of the runners this is an interesting move for a stable not known for their two-year-old winners at this track.

Over at Aintree, in the 15:05 Denman who has been drifting this morning from [2.08] out to [2.42]. The crowd favourite comes here after a game second to Long Run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month but with questions seemingly being raised over how much that has taken out of him. He fell two fences from home in this race in 2009 and conditions today may be just too sharp for him. Up against some well fancied rivals, today could see a young pretender getting the best of him for the second time in a month.

In the 17:15 at Hereford, Charles has been backed down to [3.80] from [5.00]. He escapes a penalty for his recent victory on his handicap debut at Uttoxeter and is seemingly well fancied to go in again. He struggled for form after a promising debut on quick ground last October but he appreciated the sound surface last time and conditions seem to suit him again today.

Recommended bets
Back Almond Branches @ [7.80] Ripon 14:10
Lay Denman @ [2.38] Aintree 15:05
Back Charles @ [3.80] Hereford 17:15

The FTM boys suggest two backs and a lay of the beautifully named Angelina Ballerina. Here's why......

Today's Follow The Money comes from Pontefract, Kempton and Exeter....

THe FTM boys give us their usual two backs and one lay, the latter a case of opposing Kieren Fallon's mount in the 16:20 at Folkestone....

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Denman Exclusive: Operation for Gold Cup hopeful

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