DENMAN is favourite for the totesport Gold Cup at Cheltenham, but Kauto Star in firmly on course for the re-match in March.

Both of Paul Nicholls’s charges were among the 38 horses entered yesterday, but Kauto Star will be out for revenge after his stable-mate took his Gold Cup crown last March, with another Ditcheat inmate Neptune Collonges making it a 1-2-3.

Nicholls has eight entries with Denman a best-priced 7-4 with Stan James, BetDirect and Paddy Power and Kauto Star on offer at 11-4 with same firms as well as Coral, Blue Square, Boylesports and BetFred.

Kauto Star landed a hat-trick of wins in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, but Denman is yet to run this season after a heart problem.

Kauto Star’s owner Clive Smith is confident ahead of the Gold Cup on March 13.

He said: “I was ecstatic about his victory at Kempton and it was a brilliant performance.

“Paul (Nicholls) has said that Kauto Star wasn’t quite right in the Betfair Chase and that he probably just had an off day there.

“Paul and I decided that he will now go straight to the Festival.

“We have to make sure that he is spot on for Cheltenham and keeping him fresh for March seems the best way forward.

“If we get the right going, then I think we have every chance of beating Denman.”

Meanwhile According To Pete may head to Haydock for the Peter Marsh Chase a week on Saturday.

Malcolm Jefferson’s eight-year-old has won all four starts this season – three novice chases and the Betfair “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle at Haydock. Jefferson said: “There is a possibility he could go to Haydock next weekend, but I’m not sure yet. If he didn’t go there he might go for the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup a month later.”

TODAY’S NAP: Hamaasy (3.50pm Southwell).