Denman leads Gold charge

Last year’s winner Denman is one of 16 horses declared for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The nine-year-old comes into this year’s renewal on the back of a disappointing comeback at Kempton last month after suffering from a heart problem earlier in the campaign.

His stablemate and 2007 Gold Cup hero Kauto Star will bid to become the first horse ever to regain the Gold Cup after losing the title when finishing second 12 months ago.

Neptune Collonges, who finished third in 2008, also represents trainer Paul Nicholls along with My Will and Star De Mohaison.

Jonjo O’Neill is double-handed with both Albertas Run and Exotic Dancer standing their ground in the blue riband event, while Barbers Shop runs for Nicky Henderson in the colours of the Queen.

Hennessy Gold Cup one-two Madison Du Berlais and Air Force One both take part, while Cerium, Knowhere, Miko De Beauchene, Roll Along, Halcon Genelardais and Snoopy Loopy complete the line-up.

The only absentee following the five-day confirmations was War Of Attrition, who suffered a setback earlier in the week.