Nicholls expects Denman Chase win as Clan Des Obeaux prepares for Gold Cup test

2.45 Ascot
Betfair Denman Chase | Grade 2 | 3m| 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV

History suggests it is rare for a horse to win the King George, Denman Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season but Paul Nicholls achieved the feat with the great Kauto Star 12 years ago and attempts to emulate that remarkable campaign with Clan Des Obeaux.

At the same age of seven, Clan Des Obeaux has already landed the first leg with a spirited victory over Thistlecrack in the Christmas highlight and takes on three rivals at Ascot in leg two. On ratings he is a stone ahead of his nearest rival in the rearranged Grade 2.

Coneygree (2015) and Native River (2018) won this Gold Cup trial before taking the feature event itself and Nicholls’ charge is a general 10-1 chance for next month’s target.

Nicholls said: “These small-field races can be a nightmare as he really needs an end-to-end gallop as he had in the King George.

“He’s clear on the ratings and should win but we just want him to jump round safe and sound to put him spot on for the Gold Cup. He can make the running if he has to but he would prefer a lead.”

The biggest threat to Clan Des Obeaux could be Terrefort. Winner of the Scilly Isles and Mildmay Novices’ Chase last year, he has not quite built on those exploits in two starts this season but ran with promise in the Cotswold Chase last month.

The dual Grade 1 winner is a general 33-1 chance in the Gold Cup betting, although his performance at Ascot will likely help connections decide whether to take their chance in that contest, with the six-year-old also holding a Ryanair Chase entry.

His trainer Nicky Henderson said: “He’s in really good form. This wasn’t our original plan but it’s a nice race for him to run in. On his first run there was something amiss so we had to just leave him alone and start again.

Terrefort: dual Grade 1-winning novice last season for Nicky HendersonCredit: Edward Whitaker

“I was really pleased with his run at Cheltenham and you would expect him to come on for it. It’s a competitive race and we’ll see where we are with him after this.”

It has proved a frustrating campaign for Tom Lacey with his chaser Thomas Patrick. He started the season with an encouraging second to Elegant Escape but has struggled in three outings since. Today’s small-field race could spark a revival.

“There aren’t that many races for horses like Thomas Patrick and hopefully this is an opportunity to get his jumping back on track and also pick up some prize-money,” the trainer said. “We don’t expect to beat Clan Des Obeaux and probably Terrefort for that matter.”

Ballyhill completes the quartet for Nigel Twiston-Davies. He has finished third in handicaps at Cheltenham on his last two outings.

Twiston-Davies said: “Ballyhill has been running well all winter, especially at Cheltenham, and he goes there in good form. Clan Des Obeaux looks a tough nut to crack but hopefully we can pick up some more place money.”

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