Denman, one of jump racing’s icons, has undergone a successful wind operation in the build-up to competing at his sixth consecutive Cheltenham Festival.
The 2007 RSA Chase and 2008 Gold Cup winner was operated on soon after he finished a typically courageous third in the Hennessey Gold Cup at Newbury in November, and was returned to trainer Paul Nicholls within days of the surgery, carried out by veterinary specialist Geoff Lane.
Denman, runner-up to Imperial Commander in last year’s Gold Cup, had also been operated on for his wind earlier in his career and is currently best-price 7/1 third favourite for the 2011 renewal.
Owner Paul Barber said: “When Paul suggested him having a wind op, I was happy to have it done. It’s only a little operation, tweaking his wind but Paul thinks it might improve him a few pounds.
“He’s come up the hill at Ditcheat a few times without making a noise, so we’re happy with that.”
Nicholls is preparing a large team for an assault on the Cheltenham Festival and took four of his big hopes - Denman, Big Buck's, Poquelin and Ghizao for a racecourse gallop on Sunday morning.
"They all worked over 2m, going a nice steady gallop, then quickening up in the final furlong. All four went nicely, but it was not a serious gallop. It was just a nice trip out for them" said the Ditcheat handler.
Regarding Denman's performance, Nicholls added: "He went well this morning, and luckily that put Paul Barber, watching the gallop, in a good mood."
2011 Gold Cup leading contender best-price odds:
This table displays the current best-price available for each horse with odds updated in real-time. To claim a free bet from any of these bookmakers click the links below:
Will Hill £25 free bet | Bet365 £200 free bet | Skybet £35 free bet | 888sport £25 free bet Victor Chandler £25 free bet | Stan James £25 free bet | Paddy Power £50 free bet Sportingbet £50 free bet | Ladbrokes £25 free bet | totesport £10 free bet
No comments:
Post a Comment