Thomas Not Doubting Denman

Sam Thomas believes Denman is capable of making all the running in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Even the brilliant Desert Orchid was headed when he won the blue riband event in 1989, but the legendary Arkle did manage to make all in the 1965 renewal.

And while Thomas admits it is a rare feat, he believes Denman is one of a kind.

"I know a lot of people have said no-one ever makes (all) the running in the Gold Cup, but nobody has seen Denman before," Thomas told At The Races.

"Ideally it would be nice to get a lead, but we´ll see what happens.

"He´s not too complicated. He´s jumps and travels which makes my life a little bit easier.

"The last day in the Aon he just took the mickey out of me a little bit and got a bit keen, but when he got to the front he pricked his ears. He knows what he´s doing and he´s a pleasure to ride.

"He had a good blow after the Aon so it is nice to know that there is a good deal more to come from him.

"Everybody has said that Kauto is the speed horse but Denman showed plenty of that in Ireland. The way he quickened up going to the last proved he has plenty of toe.

"But at the end of the day they are both very exceptional horses. Kauto is a true athlete whereas Denman is an out-and-out galloper.

"I think you might not have seen the best of Denman whereas everybody knows how good Kauto is. There is still some improvement in Denman and hopefully he can prove that in the Gold Cup."

(C) PA Sport