Denman bids to make history Paul Nicholls believes Denman has a good chance of making history at Newbury today by becoming the first horse to win the Hennessy Gold Cup for a third time. The Paul Barber-owned chaser has already equalled two chasing legends, Mandarin (1957 and 1961) and Arkle (1964 and 1965), with victories in this prestigious staying handicap in 2007 and 2009. Now he has to do what those failed to achieve and make it a treble. As in his previous two victories, Denman is burdened with top weight of 11st 12lb, but he is on a lofty rating of 182, compared to 161 and 174 respectively, which means all but five other rivals must carry more weight than set by the handicapper. And that, according to Nicholls, gives the 10-year-old sound prospects of landing an unprecedented success. "Denman is in good order with himself," said the Ditcheat handler. "He doesn't know he's off a mark of 182. He's carrying the same weight as he has in his other two Hennessys. There are so many out of the handicap you could argue he's not that badly in at the weights. "It's always a good race for second-season novices and there are some good ones lurking in amongst them. He does like the track, at least before that hiccup in February (unseated rider in the Aon Chase), and he's at the top of his game." Denman is just part of a five-strong team from the Nicholls stable, which also comprises of Neptune Collonges, Taranis, Niche Market and The Tother One. "I'm looking forward to it. It's obviously going to be a competitive race but I'm positive about my five. There are a lot of good horses and it's a cracking race," the trainer added. "I have done a lot of work with Neptune Collonges. He does look well and I'm just thinking a run will bring him on. "Taranis showed last year he is no back number and 10st 4lb is a nice weight for him. The track might just suit him but it will for a lot of others. "Niche Market ran well in this race last year and his big target is the Grand National. "The Tother One's form is all right and he's got a light weight. "It's a big field and there are a lot of horses with chances."
