Denman ready for Gold Cup prep

PAUL Nicholls believes today’s Aon Chase will leave Denman spot-on for his bid to regain the Gold Cup crown at Cheltenham next month.

The 10-year-old won this event en route to glory in steeplechasing’s most prestigious prize in 2008, although little went right the following season due to heart problems.

He was right back to his brilliant best in the Hennessy at Newbury in November and just needs to come through this assignment to set him up for another mouthwatering clash with stablemate Kauto Star at Cheltenham on March 19.