2010 RSA CHASE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL LATEST TIPS

We are almost set for the latest running of the RSA Chase and we've seen Long Run, from Nigel Hendersons yard, overtaking the widely-vaunted Punchestowns as the betting favourite. I expect these two to duel for this one, amongst a rather small field, but I do think that a late-rushing longer odds selection can do some damage here and may get the score. 

You can't really argue with Long Run's overall form, having not lost once this season, but my issue is that he genuinely hasn't raced against top class competition of the likes of Punchestowns or even really Weapons Amnesty. 
When you are continually sent off as an odds-on favourite, I don't necessarily think it belies confidence when you step up to tougher competition, unless your name is Kauto Star. I think he can win, but I do not fancy him at the price.
I do have confidence in Punchestowns and his two 2nd place finishes to Big Bucks are fairly solid references and he's been lightly-raced this season but has handled anything thrown at him with ease. He ran 2nd in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle last year and its always nice to see horses that can at least have a proper go at Cheltenham. I don't think the ground will concern him and his 5/2 odds are about right for a horse thats been sent off as a fairly big favourite both times out this year. Over his career, he's also beaten other horses fancied to win races at this festival- another great reference. 
Diamond Harry and Weapon's Amnesty are solid choices who are both trading in the 6/1-7/1 range and with the right trip I think these two are contenders. I would like longer odds as I think Punchestowns is in a bit of a different class to these two. Burton Port at 10/1 is an interesting shout if you're into a lower key type of horse. If you think Wednesday at Cheltenham will be similar to Tuesday at Cheltenham, in terms of results, then he could be worth a look. 
I think Citizen Vic is more talented than his 12/1 price tag suggests and he could capitalize if things go his way. 
I'm backing Punchestowns to win this one though, I think his light schedule will prove a blessing about 3/4s of the way through this race.