Nicholls Just 12-1 For Golden Clean Sweep

While unlikely to ever quite match the feat of Michael Dickinson in 1983 when he saddled the first five home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, bookmakers are increasingly alive to the chance of Paul Nicholls doing something similar in March.

Coral offer 12-1 against the champion trainer being responsible for the first three in the blue riband after he strengthened his hand through the ultra-impressive Denman in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup.

That horse could form just part an incredible squad for the big day in company with reigning champion Kauto Star and the likes of Neptune Collonges, Star De Mohaison and Taranis.

VC Bet report hefty backing for Denman in the Gold Cup and have cut his price to 2-1 from 5-2 following a stream of money, including a bet of £50,000 to £20,000.

Spokesman Neal Wilkins said: 'We top-offered Denman at 5-2 after his scintillating success and clearly once racing enthusiasts had a chance to digest the magnitude of his victory ?Denmania' kicked in.'

The 6-4 favourite for golden glory with Coral, Denman is now rated just 3lb behind Kauto Star after senior handicapper Phil Smith reassessed his official mark following his Newbury run.

'He's right up there with the other two stars that we've got, Exotic Dancer and Kauto Star,' said Smith.

'But because he hasn't done it in a Grade One event yet, whereas the other two have, I'm going to put him a pound behind Exotic Dancer on 176.

'We'll see what happens when he runs in a Grade One, but I suspect one of them will have to put up a performance into the 180s to beat the other two.'

Nicholls is unsurprised by the leap in Denman's rating, adding: 'He was bound to go up in the ratings and is certainly going in the right direction.

'He definitely goes for the Lexus Chase now, but if that were to be called off I would not be too concerned and I would look to run him somewhere at the end of January.

'I had a chance to look at the race two or three times and I'm immensely proud of the horse.'

(C) PA Sport