Denman fine after Newbury romp Denman has been given a clean bill of health following his romp in the Aon Chase at Newbury on Saturday. Paul Nicholls´ totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup-bound star enjoyed a pleasing prep for the Festival feature, slamming his three rivals by 20 lengths and more at the Berkshire course. Dan Skelton, assistant trainer at Nicholls´ Ditcheat yard, said on Sunday: "He´s absolutely fine. It was clear for everyone to see that he´s in great health and in great order yesterday. "Obviously he wasn´t at his absolute peak and we were using the race as a way of sharpening him up. "Now it will just be a case of keeping him going and getting him spot-on for the big one." Denman is widely available at 2-1 to win the blue riband event on March 14, with his stablemate and reigning title holder Kauto Star rated a 5-4 chance. Clive Smith, owner of last year´s winner, suggested the eight-year-old would not be certain to line up in Saturday´s Commercial First Ascot Chase if ground conditions were deemed unsuitable. However, the extended two-mile-five-furlong Grade One remains the plan as Skelton explained: "I think Clive was just wanting to be open and let everyone know what he was thinking. "We´re all very open about our targets and thoughts and we just have to be mindful of these things. "It´s only a suggestion and wouldn´t be a really heavy worry or anything like that."
