Nicholls buoyed by Denman’s breathing operation

PAUL NICHOLLS is hopeful a breathing operation will help Denman produce a better finishing effort when he goes for further Cheltenham Gold Cup glory next month.

The 2008 winner of the blue riband was joined by stable companions Big Buck’s, Poquelin and Ghizao in a spin at Wincanton yesterday, and the trainer was delighted with the Prestbury Park-bound quartet.

Denman came up slightly short when bidding for a third win in the Hennessy Gold Cup in November and while he finished an honourable third to Diamond Harry, Nicholls feels the corrective procedure he has subsequently undergone will help him on his Festival return.