Long Run set for Kelso on Thursday

Long Run is to travel to Scotland for the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase later this week as connections head to Kelso in search of better ground.

The Kempton Park Chase, formerly known as the Racing Plus Chase, on February 22nd had been earmarked as a target for the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, who was last seen when unseating his rider in the King George on St Stephens Day.

However, the promise of better ground, combined with a less competitive race, has proved an irresistible lure for owner Robert Waley-Cohen and trainer Nicky Henderson.

"It's a class two race, not a class one, and it's just a case of going where the ground is best," said Waley-Cohen.

"Kelso is good to soft and Kempton raced last Friday on heavy ground. It will be nice for him to have a race that's not one of the toughest of the season.

"The horse is fine. We just don't really want to go on very heavy ground. The Denman Chase at Newbury last weekend was an option, but there was no way we would run on that ground.

"The forecast is for torrential rain again later this week and the ground is good to soft at Kelso, so it makes sense to take the opportunity."

Long Run has not tasted victory since landing the 2012 King George and his three runs this season have all yielded unplaced finishes - the first occasions in the gelding's career when he has not made the frame.

Should he bounce back to winning form, Long Run is entered once again for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup as well as the Crabbie's Grand National.

"We'll see how it goes, but Aintree is definitely an option," said Waley-Cohen.