Denman hoping to follow the Star

OWNER Paul Barber is keeping his fingers crossed Denman can take a leaf out of old rival Kauto Star’s book when he returns to action at Leopardstown next month.

The 11-year-old Kauto Star rolled back the years to defeat younger champion Long Run with an imperious performance in Saturday’s Betfair Chase after many had written him off.

Stablemate Denman is the same age and in a similar boat, but he too has been pleasing trainer Paul Nicholls ahead of his intended comeback in the Lexus Chase.