Tony McCoy and Denman were in action together for the first time since their high profile fall in the Aon Chase at Newbury when the two schooled together at Paul Nicholls’ yard on Thursday.
The duo were last seen fluffing their lines in last month’s Grade Two showpiece but both remain on course for a tilt at next week’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, with Denman trading at odds of 4/1 to defeat neighbour and arch-rival Kauto Star.
Leading Irish bookmaker Paddy Power are offering their customers a free £50 bet on the 2010 Gold Cup if they sign up here – a race they make Kauto Star the 8/11 favourite for.
Denman’s part-owner Harry Findlay has admitted he can’t wait for the race, but is under no illusions about the task that awaits his 2008 Gold Cup winner.
"Today was just the second time McCoy had sat on him and it was the first time since Newbury.
"Denman jumped two hurdles, then two schooling fences and then two proper fences.
"He was good and aggressive over the first and then a little slower at the second when McCoy had to cajole him along.
"Some days you can watch him and not have him on your mind, but I would have given him nine out of 10 today.
"He was definitely keen enough when jumping, but Kauto is so ready for the race.
"He has been trained for this race all year and it will take a phenomenal performance for anything to beat Kauto Star."
After a 2008/09 campaign that was blighted by injuries, Denman returned to his best when defying top weight in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November. Many people believed that was a sign that Denman was back to his best but Findlay believes that we have never seen the same horse that destroyed the Gold Cup field just two years ago,
He added: "The day we won the Gold Cup, Tony McCoy said that the race would leave its mark and that we needed to be careful with him.
"I spoke to him this morning and he still thinks that.
"He might have won the Hennessy giving away two stone, but I don't think it was the same Denman who won the Gold Cup. He was on fire that day.
"We are unlikely to be so aggressive this time, but we had to do it then as it was the only way of beating Kauto Star."
