Denman is even-money favourite with sponsors totesport to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup again next March after ripping the crown from his stablemate Kauto Star.

IF RUBY WALSH would later be left to reflect on the loss of his Gold Cup crown, there was still much evidence available yesterday that when he is provided with the right equipment, he can exploit it like few other jockeys ever can.

A monster 156 entries, headed by recent Cheltenham winner Aigle D’Or, have been received for the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival.

Binocular jumped his way into the Triumph Hurdle picture today with an impressive display in the Spargonet Consulting Juvenile Novices' Hurdle at Ascot.

Ruby Walsh needed to put his skills to use for less than six minutes at Kempton but his visit was more than worthwhile as his sole ride Nycteos captured the intercasino.co.uk Lanzarote Hurdle.

Zanir (3-1) fared best through stamina-sapping conditions at Kempton to take the intercasino.co.uk Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle.

HARPER Valley will have one more run before before bidding for glory in the JCB Triumph Hurdle in March.

Tidal Bay continued to look like one of the most accomplished novice chasers on the scene as he stretched his unbeaten record over fences to three.

Ante-post JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Franchoek is likely to be seen in action this weekend – with Cheltenham’s Boylesports.com Best Odds Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle the favoured option.