Racing:Paul Barber believes Denman is "a good thing" for Cheltenham Gold Cup glory, according to fellow part-owner Harry Findlay.

The eight-year-old has been tussling with stablemate and reigning champion Kauto Star at the head of the Cheltenham market throughout the season.

While Denman bagged Newbury's Aon Chase earlier in the month in hugely convincing style, Kauto Star blew away the opposition in Saturday's Grade One Ascot Chase.

The usually bullish Findlay admits to being hugely impressed with the reigning champion, but reports his co-owner to have unwavering faith in Denman.

"I thought Kauto Star looked real special," said Findlay. "He was really exuberant at the second-last and he was full of running, he really turned it on.

"I've got so much respect for Kauto, he's such a machine, and I think we just need that rain.

"Paul Barber is the best weather man I know, and his old maxim is that if there's no rain in February, there will be in March.

"Paul Nicholls won't have it that there is any doubt about Kauto staying the trip, but I do think everything went right last year and I don't think he really gets three-miles-two at Cheltenham.

"Paul Barber really, really believes Denman is a good thing. He's such a great judge of these things.

"He's looking forward to this more than anything in his life, and he has won a Gold Cup before."

The long-awaited clash between the stable companions looked to be in doubt on Saturday night after it emerged Kauto Star had returned home lame.

However, Nicholls expects him to be ready for the title defence after discovering a minor infection had caused the problem - rather than a sprained fetlock, as was first feared.

"It's basically a minor setback and shouldn't affect him too much," said Nicholls. "He would have had a couple of days off after running anyway, and this should clear up within 48 hours, so it shouldn't make too much difference."

Clive Smith, Kauto Star's owner, admitted he had barely slept after worrying about his pride and joy all night.

"I'm so tired. We actually went to bed early but I couldn't sleep, so I got up and watched the film Goodbye Mr Chips and thought it was goodbye to the Gold Cup and I'd had my chips!" he joked.

"I just think he's getting better and better with every race and is improving. He seems to be coming on.

"He got a bit close to one early on yesterday, but he neatly took an extra stride and popped over. He's getting very smart and intelligent as he matures."

Like Findlay, Smith is relieved the clash of Kauto Star and Denman is still on the cards.

"Both Harry and I want our horses there so we can battle it out and may the best horse win - I'm sure that's the way it will turn out," he said. "I think we have a very classy animal in Kauto Star. He's a beautiful mover and he's got a touch of acceleration at the right time.

"I agree Denman will be trying to burn him off, but we have got to be there and take him on and get up the hill ahead of him.

"He's a relentless galloper and nobody has seen the best of Denman yet. I'm sure he's not bottomed out and also you would say that about Kauto.

"Both horses will be spot-on on the day and at their best. One will beat the other and make it a great result."

Today's jumps action hinges upon an 8am inspection at Carlisle after Market Rasen were forced to abandon.

King still Kicking:

The 2005 Gold Cup winner Kicking King remains on track for a Cheltenham return despite disappointing at Gowran Park on Saturday. Trainer Tom Taaffe is inclined to put the weekend run down to the "bounce" factor, writes Brian O'Connor.

Saturday was Kicking King's second start after a two-year injury absence, and Taaffe said yesterday: "The second run back, for some reason, is always the hardest. There's no explanation for that, maybe he ran too well the first day. But I would expect the horse to bounce back from it.

"He is absolutely fine, no trouble with his legs, and we'll work him maybe 10 days before the Gold Cup.

"That will tell us yes or no about Cheltenham, but I wouldn't him expect problems. If he works well, we'll run in the Gold Cup."

Kicking King is now a general 33 to 1 shot to repeat his blue-riband triumph of three years ago.