After Long Run landed the 2010 King George VI Chase and the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup, it is no surprise to see the Nicky Henderson inmate heading the ante post betting for both of this year’s feature races and with Kauto Star and Denman both appearing to be in decline, it could be up to the likes of Master Minded and Captain Chris to lay down the challenge to the French import.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Fly looks a formidable contender for the 2012 Champion Hurdle and Big Buck’s is understandably odds-on to add another World Hurdle to his impeccable CV.
Champion Hurdle
2m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2012
7/4 Hurricane Fly, 10 Binocular, 10 Zarkandar, 10 Spirit Son, 14 Oscar Whisky, 16 Oscars Well, 20 Grandouet, 33 Topolski (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
Queen Mother Champion Chase
2m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2012
5 Sizing Europe, 6 Big Zeb, 8 Captain Chris, 8 Finians Rainbow, 16 Realt Dubh, 20 Captain Cee Bee, 25 Crack Away Jack (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
Ladbrokes World Hurdle
3m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2012
4/5 Big Buck’s, 6 Oscar Whisky, 8 Thousand Stars, 10 Grands Crus, 12 Bobs Worth, 14 Mourad, 25 Fiveforthree, (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
Cheltenham Gold Cup
3m 2f, Cheltenham Festival, March 2012
5/2 Long Run, 14 Time For Rupert, 16 Master Minded, 16 Weapons Amnesty, 16 Captain Chris, 16 Wishfull Thinking, 20 Denman, 20 Diamond Harry, 20 Burton Port,25 Quito De La Roque, 25 Bostons Angel, 33 Poquelin, 40 Jessies Dream, 50 Midnight Chase, (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
Arkle Chase
2m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2012
6 Peddlers Cross, 8 Sprinter Sacre, 10 Menorah, 12 Al Ferof, 16 Sanctuaire, 20 Cue Card, 20 Salden Licht, others on request (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
RSA Chase
3m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2012
8 Grands Crus, 8 Bobs Worth, 8 First Lieutenant, 16 Hidden Cyclone, 20 Mossley, 25 Court In Motion, 33 Restless harry, others on request (1/4 odds 1,2,3)
