Long Run 12/1...for World Hurdle!

Bookmakers have added Long Run to their 2011 World Hurdle markets after Nicky Henderson surprisingly revealed that it could be his target in March, rather than the Gold Cup.

The beaten favourite in last week's Paddy Power Gold Cup, is now a best-price 12/1 (Victor Chandler) for the World Hurdle and Henderson admitted the idea might "put the cat among the pigeons", with Long Run as short as 16/1 for the Gold Cup. He will continue chasing for now, with his next objective being the King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26.

Reflecting on last week's defeat, Henderson said: "We feel that over 2m5f in such a fast-run race he was never within his comfort zone, but it must be remembered he is just out of the novice stage and is only a five-year-old. He should have a better chance of finding his rhythm over three miles in the King George."

The French import has not run over hurdles for more than 18 months and, on joining Henderson last year, he was put straight into Grade 1 company over fences, winning the Feltham Novices' Chase over 3m at Kempton on Boxing Day.

He dropped back to 2m to land the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick in February, but he has been beaten at Cheltenham in his last two races, finishing third in both the RSA Chase in March and the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Rising star - Long Run