Betfair Chase looks tailor-made for Long Run The reappearance of the Gold Cup winner is always a major moment in any jump season and Bobs Worth's quest to retain his Cheltenham title begins on Saturday when he is among eight horses, with an average BHA rating of 170, contesting a fascinating Betfair Chase at Haydock. Since 2000 the Gold Cup winner has, more often than not, made a winning reappearance. Of the 11 that have run again the following season, seven won first time out while the other four finished second. Even so Nicky Henderson yesterday reiterated his fears about Haydock and his Gold Cup winner's vulnerability to more of a speed horse. "His work is as good as we've ever seen," said the trainer. He is where he was when he won the Hennessy last year, but we know he's best over 3¼ miles on a stiffer track. Barry Geraghty, who has ridden Bobs Worth in 11 of his 12 races, said: "He's schooled well, I've seen him work well and he's done plenty. I felt when I schooled him that he had more front on him and I think he's still growing. He seems a bigger horse this season - the Gold Cup must have gone to his head. I don't think we should be the ones running scared. He always done everything we've asked of him so far and there's no reason why he shouldn't this time. While Bobs Worth may be vulnerable to Silviniaco Conti, Dynaste, Cue Card or even the enigmatic Tidal Bay, the value bet of the race must surely be Long Run, the other Henderson-trained Gold Cup winner, who has never started at 12-1 in his life. He has been second in the Betfair for the past two seasons so acts round Haydock and for the first time comes here with a run under his belt. "Having seen the mistake he made when so disappointing at Wetherby last time the vet and Yogi Briesner came to the conclusion it not only stopped him, but probably hurt him," explained Henderson. We thought he might have been a bit sick, but he certainly wasn't by the Monday after the race and we're very happy with him now. A couple of years ago Kauto Star gave Haydock an emotional afternoon, winning his fourth Betfair Chase when everyone thought he was past it. On Saturday, coming in under the radar, Sam Waley-Cohen can go out and enjoy himself without a hint of expectation or pressure and Long Run can have his 'Kauto" moment. Bill Rees, who won the 1960 Gold Cup on Pas Seul, has died aged 79. He rode extensively for the late Queen Mother during a successful career and later became a starter.