Denman team mull Hennessy bid

Connections of the exciting Denman have pinpointed Newbury’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup as a potential option for their star.

Unbeaten over fences, the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old would almost certainly need to defy a hefty burden if given the go-ahead to tackle the December 1 contest having finished the year rated 161.

Denman’s finest hour came when slamming his rivals in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but part-owner Harry Findlay believes he would be competitive in the classy handicap at a venue that seems to suit.

“I’ve studied the race records over the years, and there was a period over six consecutive seasons when the Hennessy was won by either the top weight or the second top weight,” Findlay said.

“Denman will start off in the Charlie Hall, as planned, but then, rather than go to Sandown for the Intermediate Chase, I’d prefer to see him in the Hennessy and then in the Lexus Chase four weeks later at Leopardstown.

“I’m convinced Newbury is a more suitable course for him than Sandown, and his jumping was very good on the two occasions he ran there last season. It’s a galloping course, the perfect place for him.

“Running at Newbury would give him a four-week gap between each of his first three races of the season, and that would be ideal,” he told the Racing Post.

“As we know, it takes an enormous amount of work to get Denman fit and I expect Paul Nicholls will have his work cut out to get him ready for Wetherby.”