Nicholls Aims at February for Denman Return

Paul Nicholls yesterday identified the Aon Chase, run at Newbury in February, as the starting point for Denman in the Gold Cup winner's curtailed campaign - the result of the gelding having been treated for a fibrillating heart. All being well, Denman may also run at Aintree after he bids to retain the Gold Cup in March.

"Denman's problem was easily treated at Newmarket, but he was ill for a week when he came back, due to the toxins in the medication," said Nicholls. "He looks fantastic now, though, and will start cantering next week.

"He won't run this side of Christmas but will have one run before Cheltenham and that's highly likely to be the AON Chase. He will be a fresh horse, so he could run again after Cheltenham and go to Aintree for the Totesport Bowl."

Nicholls is responsible for the first three in Gold Cup betting, with Denman a best priced 6-4 favorite. Kauto Star, the 2007 winner, is due to reappear at Down Royal on November 1 and, after attempting a third victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, will be rested until Cheltenham in March.

"I think Kauto Star is as good as ever," said Nicholls, who has also mapped out a campaign for last season's Gold Cup third, Neptune Collonges. "He was probably the most improved horse in training last year and I hope he can keep improving," said the trainer.

"He is always better after Christmas, so will start off in the Lexus Chase, have one more before the Gold Cup and then go to Punchestown to try and win the Gold Cup there for the third year."

Mick Channon, who sustained serious injuries in a car crash in August, made his first appearance on a racecourse since at Newbury yesterday, hoping to see his well-touted filly Dunes Queen make a winning debut. But it was Club Tahiti who received Classic quotes after the opening race.