Long Run among eleven for Denman Chase Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Long Run could face up to 10 rivals as he bids to get off the mark for the campaign in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury on Saturday. 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 for 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 ran well 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.
