PAUL NICHOLLS’ gut feels Denman can’t win under top weight in Saturday’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.
The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup landed the contest with the same 11st12lb two years ago.
But the nine-year-old has to give upwards of 12lb to his rivals.
He is generally the 4-1 favourite with most firms.
But Nicholls said: “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.”
TODAY’S NAP: General Hardi (12.50pm Wetherby).
