Time of the essence in Denman bid

PAUL Nicholls admits time may be running out to get Denman back to his brilliant best ahead of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on March 13.

The runaway winner of the 2008 renewal made a belated return to action at Kempton earlier this month following treatment for a heart abnormality, but could only muster a lacklustre second behind Madison Du Berlais.

The nine-year-old suffered his first reverse in 10 starts over fences that day and has thrived since, but connections concede his trail-blazing effort last year could have left its mark.