Nicholls not expecting Denman win in Hennessy
The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner coped with the 11st 12lb burden in the Hennessy two years ago when tanking his way to success, but he is considerably higher in the weights this time around.
The nine-year-old has to give upwards of 12lb to his rivals and despite being back in rude health after an interrupted campaign last season, the champion trainer believes the 4-1 favourite faces a tough task.
“It is almost like last year didn’t happen with Denman and he is back to where he was two years ago,” said Nicholls.
“You have to remember that he was well-handicapped when he won the Hennessy and he is a lot higher this year after winning the Gold Cup that year, but if he runs like he did in last year’s Gold Cup he must have a great chance.
“My feeling, and I may be wrong, is that he will run a sound race on Saturday to finish fourth or fifth.
“I did think that coming into this race two years ago and he won. He was well handicapped then, but I am not so sure now.
“He’ll then go back to a Grade One in the Lexus Chase and have a big chance and obviously the Gold Cup is his big target.”
Nicholls will also be represented in the Hennessy by What A Friend and My Will. The first-named is part-owned by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
The Queen’s Barbers Shop, seventh to Kauto Star and Denman in the Gold Cup, will sport cheekpieces for the first time when receiving 18lb from the latter on Saturday.
Former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition has been given the go-ahead to run and it will be the first time the 10-year-old has crossed the Irish Sea since he lifted chasing’s blue riband in March 2006.
“He’ll run and he seems fine. It’s some weight (10st 6lb) he’s got for a Gold Cup winner whichever way you look at it,” said trainer Mouse Morris.
“He’s come on nicely from Down Royal.”
His expected participation means that Siegemaster, who carries the same colours, is now unlikely to take his chance.
“The owners want to run War of Attrition, so he possibly won’t go now,” said Siegemaster’s trainer Dessie Hughes.
“I’ll probably run him in a handicap chase over Christmas instead.
“He’s not really rated high enough to run in those Graded races like the Lexus Chase. He’s in the 140s and needs to be higher.”
