French import Long Run ran his rivals ragged in the williamhill.com Feltham Novices’ Chase at Kempton.
Having his first start Nicky Henderson the four-year-old, in receipt of 7lb from all of his rivals, jogged round in no more than a hack canter throughout for amateur jockey Sam Whaley-Cohen, the owner’s son.
Ruby Walsh attempted to make all on Tchico Polos but weakened quickly leaving Tazbar to chase home the impressive winner, some 14 lengths adrift of the 11-8 favourite.
Victor Chandler and Totesport cut Long Run to 6-1 from 12s for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, while Sky Bet go 5-1 from 12s.
Henderson said: “We have got to get his English better than his French as there are still some French habits in there.
“He will learn and that is the only the only negative, as the performance itself was unbelievable.
“Sam came down and we put him through the indoor school, trying to get him to go up, up, up (at his fences) as it is a different technique to the way they jump in France.
“As for his engine, you can see that for itself and for a four-year-old he is a serious horse.”
Keith Reveley said of Tazbar: “My son James worked at (Guillaume) Macaire’s (Long Run’s former trainer) stable so we knew that Long Run was a class horse.
“This was only Tazbar’s second run over fences so I’m thrilled with him, he just wasn’t quite as good as the winner.
“He’s got to run in these kind of races, we’ll certainly look at Cheltenham although Punchestown might suit him better.”
Renee Robeson, trainer of the third, Ogee, said: “He would have preferred better ground and he’d be better left-handed but it was a satisfactory run.
“We’ll have to see how he comes out of this but Cheltenham and Aintree are possibilities.”
