Nicholls plays down Denman hopes

Published on Tuesday 24 November 2009 22:59

PAUL Nicholls' gut instinct is that Denman will do no better than finish fourth or fifth under top weight in Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury – a race in which fellow pacesetter Carruthers has been declared a non-runner.

The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner coped with the 11st 12lb burden in the Hennessy two years ago when tanking his way to success, but he is considerably higher in the weights this time around.

The nine-year-old has to give upwards of 12lb to his rivals and despite being back in rude health after an interrupted campaign last season, the champion trainer believes the 4-1 favourite faces a tough task.

"It is almost like last year didn't happen with Denman and he is back to where he was two years ago," said Nicholls. "You have to remember that he was well-handicapped when he won the Hennessy and he is a lot higher this year after winning the Gold Cup that year, but if he runs like he did in last year's Gold Cup he must have a great chance. My feeling, and I may be wrong, is that he will run a sound race on Saturday to finish fourth or fifth.

"I did think that coming into this race two years ago and he won. He was well handicapped then, but I am not so sure now.

"He'll then go back to a Grade One in the Lexus Chase and have a big chance and obviously the Gold Cup is his big target."

Denman came back from a heart problem to finish second to Kauto Star in the Gold Cup last March and his trainer will also be represented in the Hennessy by What A Friend and My Will.

The first-named is part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and is disputing second-favouritism at around the 6-1 mark with Barbers Shop.