Denman Chase Guide

Trainer - Paul Nicholls

Jockey -

With Native River out, Clan Des Obeaux looks to have a golden opportunity on his hands to promote his claims for next month's Magners Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in the rearranged Denman Chase at Ascot this weekend.

Winner of the King George at Kempton, he appears to be the leading chance out of two for Paul Nicholls [Frodon]- who reported on Sky Sports Racing on Tuesday afternoon that both horses are in fine order - and more significantly do not require flu jabs resulting in them being able to race.

The King George form is always going to be strong, with Nicholls suggesting that the 7yo has come on leaps and bounds since racing at Haydock in the Betfair - which was very much a learning curve.

Poses good speed and has plenty of years ahead of him.

Trainer - Nigel Twiston Davies

Jockey -

Worthy contender here, after a couple of decent efforts at Cheltenham in his two most recent outings.

Won a nice race at Aintree in a lower grade back in December on Becher Chase day, but always been somewhat short of the best around.

Again might run into a couple here, and graded success does not have his name written all over it.

Trainer - Tom Lacey

Jockey -

Season has somewhat fallen apart after such a promising start at Sandown in the Future Stars Intermediate Chase.

Outstayed by subsequent Welsh Grand National winner Elegant Escape in Esher, and was sent off one of the market principles on his next start in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.

Jumped poorly and was pulled up as a result, whilst he has also failed to figure here in the Garrard Silver Cup in December and at Taunton latest behind Royal Vacation.

Plenty to put right, and much to prove to his previous backers.

Trainer - Nicky Henderson

Jockey -

Last year's JLT Novices Chase runner-up Terrefort practically walked home on his seasonal reappearance in that Sandown contest behind Thomas Patrick.

Was not seen for a little while, but the Champion Trainer got him somewhat back near to his best when running a fine third behind Elegant Escape (again) and Frodon in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.

Looks to be back on song, and could be the dark horse in the field.