What A Friend, Tidal Bay among entries for Saturday’s Denman Chase at Newbury
Paul Nicholls’ trained, What A Friend and Tidal Bay are among the 11 entries for the imminent Betfair Denman Chase, to be held at Newbury on Saturday, February 11. The trainer will also be represented by, Aiteen Thirtythree, who was a bit unimpressive
during his last couple of outings.
Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, Long Run is being considered as the most favourite to clinch the victory. Nicky Henderson’s star horse was outshined by, Kauto Star, in his previous appearance in the William Hill King George VI Chase over Christmas.
With Ruby Walsh as rider, Kauto Star displayed a flawless run, and tracked the leader at the sixth hurdle. At the 8th fence, the horse achieved a decent advantage, and was uncatchable afterwards. His awesome performance earned
him a 1 ¼ lengths win over Long Run.
Kauto Star is getting ready for the Gold Cup, but his trainer, Paul Nicholls has three other talented horses to challenge, Long Run, this weekend.
What A Friend, is set to make his comeback to the track after a gap of more than three months. In the John Smith's Hurdle on October 29, 2011, he performed far below expectations, finishing third by a huge margin of 15 lengths.
On the other hand, Tidal Bay is also yet to taste success this year. In the Argento Chase last month, he could only manage to grab the runner-up place, defeated by Midnight Chase.
Despite a recent ordinary show by all of his three challengers, Nicholls is hoping for something special.
"What A Friend has been trained for two races this year - the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Punchestown Gold Cup. I expect Daryl (Jacob) to ride him in the Gold Cup. Aiteen Thirtythree will definitely run as Paul (Barber, Denman's) owner wants a runner.
He has been disappointing and not finishing his races off and will run with a tongue-tie and crossed noseband," said Nicholls.
He added: "Tidal Bay ran a really good race in the Argento Chase and was going to go straight for the Gold Cup and then on to Aintree but he came out very fresh and well."
Tags: