Nicholls: Tough task for Denman

Paul Nicholls admits Denman faces a tough test in trying to defy top-weight for a second time in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday.

The nine-year-old put up one of the best weight-carrying performances of recent times when lumping 11st 12lb to an impressive victory in 2007 before going on to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following March.

However, since then he has had to overcome a heart problem and has subsequently failed to get his head in front, although he was second to his stablemate Kauto Star in last season’s Gold Cup.

He suffered a crashing fall on his latest racecourse appearance in the Totesport Bowl at Aintree in April but Nicholls is delighted with his current condition.

“We are looking forward to it. Denman is in good order. It will be a huge task off the weight but he’s in good form,” said the Ditcheat trainer.

Nicholls is set to be triple-handed in the famous handicap as he also intends to saddle My Will, runner-up in the JNwine.com Champion Chase, and What A Friend, part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

“All three run. Ruby Walsh will partner Denman, Sam Thomas rides What A Friend and Nick Scholfield will be on My Will,” the champion trainer added.

Denman is 5-1 favourite in the ante-post market with What A Friend next best at 6-1 and My Will an outsider at 33-1.