Haydock Tips: Long Run

The horse I wanted to back for the 3.05 Haydock, was Tidal Bay, the slow surface would have been ideal for him, unfortunately he was scratched during the week, leaving just one option – Long Run. 

The 2011 Gold Cup winner has taken a bit of flack recently and not all of it is justified. His 2011/12 campaign wasn’t the all-conquering season people expected but he had to contend with a rejuvenated Kauto Star. He matched his all-time high Racing Post Rating of 181 twice last season, in the King George at Kempton and the Denman Chase at Newbury, so it’s not like he ran badly.

Long Run’s two dips in form came at Haydock in the Betfair Chase and the Gold Cup. At Haydock he had excuses, it looked like he needed the run but connections report the horse is much more forward than this time last year. If that’s the case then I can see him running near to an RPR of 181, and if he manages that level of form, nothing can get near him.

His only inexcusable blip therefore was the Gold Cup, but he still ran ok, only losing by 3 lengths. The soft conditions should be no concern as he won on very soft ground in France earlier in his career. Still only 7-years-old there’s plenty to like about Long Run and if Kauto Star taught us anything last year, it’s to not write off a champion.

*Best Odds Guaranteed – William Hill
Back Long Run with William Hill as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.