Denman heads field for Lexus showdown

Denman and The Listener both feature among the 12 preliminary entries for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.

The former has had the Grade One race as his target since demolishing the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup field at the start of the month, while the latter will bid for back-to-back wins in the three-miler.

The Listener recently advertised his claims with a 19-length triumph in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase and, according to the bookmakers, is the only major threat to Denman.

However, Beef Or Salmon will have his supporters after winning the race three times previously (once as the Ericsson Chase in 2002).

Michael Hourigan’s 11-year-old could be joined by stablemate Mossbank, while L’Antartique, Forget The Past, Our Ben and State Of Play could also run.

Afistfullofdollars, Offshore Account, Schindlers Hunt and Slim Pickings complete the dozen.

There were no surprise defections, although Snowy Morning, Hedgehunter, Taranis and last year’s Gold Cup third Turpin Green were among the more noteworthy horses taken out.