RACING: Denman's part-owner Harry Findlay is feeling much more optimistic ahead of the nine-year-old's Cheltenham Gold Cup defence after a pleasing workout this morning.
The gelding suffered well-documented heart problems earlier in the season and made a less than a spectacular comeback when a distant second in the Levy Board Chase at Kempton last month.
Findlay had expressed some doubts last week that his pride and joy would even line up at Prestbury Park on Friday week, but this latest schooling session has left him feeling much happier about Denman's prospects.
"He worked well on Saturday morning on the all-weather gallop but this morning was much more important as the plan was always to school him over the outdoor fences," said Findlay.
"I think lethargy as much as anything has been the problem with Denman, certainly with those first couple of fences at Kempton, so today was very important.
"Sam (Thomas) rode him and he worked with Dear Villez and Eurotrek, going over a couple of fences four or five times.
"He looked really enthusiastic, jumped very well and the last couple of times he seemed to have plenty of zip between the obstacles.
"The best thing about it for everyone was the enthusiasm he showed. He is a real character but he looked very happy this morning and barring any accident, he will be a runner in the Gold Cup.
"I am still concerned he might not be the same horse he was to be honest. Last week he schooled in the indoor school and he really was very poor there.
"Just with all the vibes and knowing what it takes to get a top athlete to a top sporting event, last Thursday I made him decent odds against to even run.
"But to be honest, I think he surprised Paul Nicholls this morning as well and Sam was more than happy with the work," added Findlay.
"We all spoke afterwards and we were happy to go with the green light.
"I'm not sure there is any value in his price even now, but someone said on Thursday, it's always good when a champion gets the chance to retain his crown and that now looks like being the case."