Findlay: Denman's the boss

Denman’s part-owner Harry Findlay says he has “full confidence” in the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion ahead of his title defence.

A lacklustre first run of the season at Kempton after treatment for a fibrillating heart did not hold much promise, but the giant gelding is reported to be redeeming himself in his work at Paul Nicholls’ stable.

“I’d love to see him win, but it’s well documented that he’s had the heart problem,” Findlay told the BBC.

“His comeback race at Kempton wasn’t that great but he schooled fantastically last week – he seems in great nick.

“He’s a very strong, self-purposed horse.

“Denman’s the boss and I’ve got full confidence in him looking after himself and doing his best on the day.”

Chances of a royal success in the Gold Cup are not being completely ruled out by connections.

The Queen will attend the meeting next Friday to watch Barbers Shop compete and both trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Barry Geraghty appear to be cautiously optimistic.

It will be a big step up from his most recent start, a victory in the Future Stars Chase at Sandown in early December.

“He has been in two big battles at Cheltenham, in the Jewson last year and in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and when he ran at Sandown, the jump from two miles five to three miles made an enormous difference,” said Henderson.

“He did not beat Gold Cup horses, but it was more the style and the rhythm he got into.

“He is progressive. We are taking on proper good horses but this is where we are going and I have started to get more relaxed about it.”