Long Run 25/1 To Win Gold Cup

It’s still early days in the National Hunt season but a few big reputations have already taken a hit.

Long Run was beaten by 41 lengths in the Charlie Hall Chase, a performance that was almost impossibly bad. A dirty scope after the race provided Nicky Henderson with a ready-made excuse but the 2011 Gold Cup winner looks a horse on the decline.

Those willing to keep the faith can get 25/1 (Stan James) on him winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Harry Topper was the winner at Wetherby but having been tipped at 8/1 before the race, he soon had backers hiding behind the sofa.

A poor round of jumping should have cost him the race, but to his credit he battled gamely and ably assisted by Jason Maguire, he got up by a neck.

The six-year-old has ability and if Kim Bailey can sort out his jumping he could take a hand in the Gold Cup at 33/1 (William Hill).

In Ireland, First Lieutenant suffered his second defeat of the season, running 24lbs below what he achieved this time last year. Without any obvious excuses, it’s difficult to see how he can challenge for the Gold Cup and is 20/1 with Paddy Power.