Denman faces a stiff Gold Cup test

GIVEN the imperious nature of his victory last time round, you may think no-one would want to take on Denman in this year's Cheltenham Gold Cup, but it seems there are plenty who believe in the old racing maxim of never being afraid of one horse.

The reigning champion was just one of 38 possibles revealed yesterday for the totesport sponsored Blue Riband on 13 March with the five who followed Denman home 12 months ago all being lined up for another crack at the crown. Among that quintet are Denman's stablemates Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges, who filled the places last year, while, just to confirm the strength in depth of Paul Nicholls' team, the champion trainer has also entered Big Buck's, My Will, Nozic, Gungadu and Star De Mohaison.

Halcon Genelardais, recent Lexus Chase winner Exotic Dancer and Nigel Twiston-Davies' Knowhere, fourth, fifth and sixth in the last running of the Festival showpiece are all there as is 2006 Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition. He spearheads an Irish challenge that includes Cane Break, Slim Pickings, Finger Onthe Pulse and Welsh Grand National winner Notre Pere. There's also a royal presence via Barbers Shop, who runs in the colours of the Queen, while last year's Arkle winner, Tidal Bay, owned by Graham and Andrea Wylie, is another possible contender.

Unless something drastic happens between now and race time, however, the 2009 Gold Cup is likely to come down to a head-to-head involving Denman and Kauto Star, as it was last March. "I was ecstatic about his victory at Kempton in the King George and it was a brilliant performance," said Kauto Star's owner Clive Smith. "He probably likes to put in a performance a bit less frequently these days, so we have to make sure he is spot on for Cheltenham and keeping him fresh for March seems the best way forward," Smith went on. "I think we have every chance of beating Denman."

Maybe by the time Kauto Star, Denman and the rest lock horns, the weather will have loosened its grip on the National Hunt game, but once again action on the sand has the stage to itself today. Some horses like Southwell, some don't, and Hamaasy would certainly fit into the former category. Ron Harris' charge is now an eight-year-old but he's been running as well as ever of late and he and Kevin Ghunowa look well worth the nap in the finale.