The mighty Denman, a horse with a huge fan club who has endeared himself to the racing public for a number of seasons, is back in full training and beginning his build-up to what is likely to be his last attempt to win the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second time, writes Elliot Slater.

The 11-year-old gelding, winner of the 2008 renewal when beating the awesome Kauto Star by seven lengths, finished second to his stable companion 12 months later and occupied the same position last year when putting in another sterling effort, but found the new kid on the block, Imperial Commander, too good for him.

Despite advancing years, Denman continues to produce top-class performances, and the winner of 14 of his 22 career starts and over £1 million in career prize money is still a serious force to be reckoned with and will not be going to Prestbury Park on March 18 just to make up the numbers or for old time’s sake and this is reflected in the Cheltenham Gold Cup betting.

Despite the crushing burden of 11-12 Denman ran a terrific race on his seasonal reappearance when attempting to land the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury for the third time, but in the end found the concession of 26lbs to the smart Diamond Harry just too much, eventually finishing an honourable third. That run proved that Denman is still very close to his best ever form and Nicholls has decided not to attempt to have his horse ready to run in a prep race before Cheltenham, but this time to concentrate on having him 100% fit to run for his life on the final day of the four-day Cheltenham 2011 extravaganza.

A best-priced 8/1 third favourite behind Imperial Commander (4/1f) and Kauto star (5/1), Denman will remain a popular choice with his adoring legion of fans.