Denman shows Paul Nicholls he's "a different horse to last year" with a pleasing gallop at Exeter racecourse on Tuesday

  PICTURE: Phil Mingo/ Pinnacle Photo Agency 

Nicholls delighted with Denman gallop

TRAINER Paul Nicholls was delighted with Denman after the 2008 Gold Cup winner worked at Exeter racecourse on Tuesday.

Denman: 13-2 for the Hennessy

  PICTURE: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle Photo Agency  

As part of his preparation for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on November 28, Denman was partnered by Ruby Walsh in a gallop with stablemate Beshabar that left Nicholls purring.

"That's just what he wanted - absolutely perfect," Nicholls told At The Races.

"He always goes better at the track than at home and he's a different horse to last year, which was dreadful. He wasn't fit and he's better when he's heavier and can work. That was ideal."

Part-owner Harry Findlay told the Racing Post: "Paul (Barber, the other part owner) and I followed the horse round in a jeep and the old horse tried to pull himself up down the far side but that is the sort of horse he is.

"Christian was pleased with Beshabar so that means that Denman has done his job well in the end and now all roads lead to Newbury at the end of the month."

Regarding the Hennessy, for which Denman is a best-priced 13-2 with Victor Chandler, the champion trainer added: "He won it two years ago and loves the track - he's unbeaten there. If he runs up to his Gold Cup form, he'll be hard to beat."

Denman is the sponsor's 6-1 second favourite behind Kauto Star for the Totesport Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March.