Nicky Henderson feels he has not spotted an exceptional rival from another stable to prevent him from lifting the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup once again.

While re-iterating that "I don't think anything has ever changed" with Long Run, the 2011 winner who was back to form with a second King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, the focus is very much on his ante-post favourite Bobs Worth.

Successful on his previous visit to Prestbury Park in last year's RSA Chase, Bobs Worth has appeared just once this season when beating Tidal Bay in the Hennessy Gold Cup. Just 3-1 with the sponsors, the eight-year-old missed a preparatory outing in last month's Argento at Cheltenham when Henderson was not quite happy with him.

"We would have liked another run, but that doesn't mean we can't do it," Henderson said.

"He was fresh in the Hennessy, and he'll be straighter than he was then. He lacks experience but he loves Cheltenham. There's work to do, but he's on schedule.

"This is where we we will find out where he is and what he is.

"He hasn't reached the superstar status that Sprinter Sacre has done yet, but he hasn't had the opportunity to do so."

Referring to his opponents, Henderson said: "It's very wide open and I don't think we've seen a standout horse.

"You wouldn't say Silviniaco Conti was earth-shatteringly impressive at Newbury but it was a very satisfactory trial I'm sure. There has been nothing that has come out this season that you would say "look at that'. Bobs Worth and Long Run have as good a chance as any."

Long Run reportedly worked very nicely when taken to the nearby Mandown gallops via a horsebox for a change of scenery, and is to have a spin after racing at Kempton on Saturday.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests