David Pipe: Long Run's a certainty

David Pipe may train the second favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday but he insists market leader Long Run is "a certainty" to land the race.

Long Run, who was third in the RSA Chase to Weapon's Amnesty in March, is a 7-2 shot with the sponsor.

Pipe's Great Endeavour is 5-1 having been well backed for the £150,000 extended 2m4f handicap since the weights were revealed.

Pipe said: "Great Endeavour has summered well and looks to have a great chance although he has got it to do to beat Long Run. He goes on any ground and although it doesn't matter, he wouldn't want it too soft."

However, when Pipe was asked about the chance of the progressive Long Run, who is trained by Nicky Henderson, he responded: "A certainty!"

Tony McCoy is odds-on to ride the Paul Nicholls-trained Kauto Star in his next race - which is likely to be a bid for a record fifth King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day - after his regular rider Ruby Walsh broke his leg in a fall on Saturday.

Connections of Saturday's JNwine Champion Chase winner must first decide whether they will run Kauto Star in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on 27 November.

"We'll have to see how he recovers from the race in the next four or five days and he'll tell us," said owner Clive Smith. "The King George is the absolute number one priority."

Meanwhile, agent Tony Hind thinks Ryan Moore is a good thing for next season's Flat jockeys' title.

Sky Bet installed deposed champion Moore at 11-10 favourite to win a fourth title in five seasons next year.

Hind is also agent to Richard Hughes, who fell two short of catching Paul Hanagan in the title race after a thrilling climax at Doncaster on Saturday.

"The last month was very stressful but fair play to Hanagan. God willing, Ryan will win the title next year," said Hind.