Betting tips / Joe Dyer / 15 November 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

With a quality field 14lbs behind him, Betfair markets agree with the Timeform rating of Nicky Henderson's star horse's return to racing.

Long Run is the [1.92] favourite for the Betfair Chase - but Timeform believe he will not only win on Saturday, but remain unbeaten all season.

And that despite taking on a top-class field on his first start of the season.

He is 14lb clear on Timeform ratings but he meets some potentially formidable rivals in Kauto Star, three times a winner of the Betfair Chase and officially rated 190 in his pomp, and the best-when-fresh Hennessy winner Diamond Harry. Not to mention Weird Al and Time For Rupert, the first two home in the Charlie Hall, and Rubi Light, set to win well when a last-fence faller at Gowran Park last month.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin commented: "The formbook suggests that Long Run should be nearer 1-2 than 10-11 on Saturday.

"But if he is vulnerable this season, it is likely to be first time out. And our market reflects that, and the fact that he meets some top-class opposition and some improving, race-fit rivals such as Weird Al and Rubi Light, as well as Diamond Harry who is a formidable rival when fresh."

But Timeform's Dan Barber commented: "Long Run has the Betfair Chase at his mercy on our figures. Anyone looking for a chink in his armour may point to his defeat at Cheltenham first time up last season, but anything close to a repetition of his subsequent King George or Cheltenham Gold Cup performances will almost certainly be good enough.

"In fact, it's hard to see him getting beaten all season."

Timeform Adjusted Ratings
LONG RUN (FR) 196
WEIRD AL (IRE) 182
KAUTO STAR (FR) 182
DIAMOND HARRY 179p
TIME FOR RUPERT (IRE) 176p
RUBI LIGHT (FR) 176
NACARAT (FR) 175
PURE FAITH (IRE) 147