Kempton liking makes Long Run a leading King George fancy at 5/1

Long Run is well suited to Kempton, according to his trainer Nicky Henderson, and this could further enhance his prospects of running Kauto Star close in the King George on Boxing Day.

King George betting odds have Long Run at 5/1 second favourite to claim victory and one of the big plus points in his favour is that he has a liking for the course.

On his one previous visit to Kempton, which was also his first run for Henderson, Long Run blitzed the field in the Feltham Novices Chase.

Henderson still has fond memories of this performance and has also been impressed with the horse’s preparation ahead of his first crack at the King George.

He said: “I could not be more delighted with Long Run at home and I think the track at Kempton suits him really well.”

However, there are two or three sticky obstacles that Long Run will need to put right if he is to prevent Kauto Star becoming the first five-time winner of the King George.

His only previous attempt at three miles was in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March and on that occasion he appeared to struggle to see out the trip.

Secondly, his jumping has been suspect since arriving from France and he will not get away with too many blunders if he wants to be in contention heading into the home straight.

And thirdly he will have to carry 11-10, which will be his highest ever weight and this could put even greater pressure on his jumping.

Kauto Star is 1/1 in the Kempton betting odds, but if Henderson has managed to iron out some of these problems on the gallops then there is no doubt that Long Run has the talent to lay down a serious challenge.

A £10 bet on Long Run winning the King George could lead to a return of £50. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.