Big punter Harry Findlay, part-owner of Denman, cited 100-30 on as "terrific value" about his pride and joy at Newbury last week. Punters are also being asked to take short odds about Denman's stable-mate Kauto Star at Ascot today, but this could be harder for the Gold Cup winner.
On all known form, Kauto Star (2.25) should win the Commercial First Ascot Chase, and it is impossible to back against him. However, this will be his first outing at a course where ground conditions are hard to fathom and over a distance which is now some way short of his best.
It was over 2½ miles at Aintree in October that Kauto Star met his only defeat in the last two seasons. He has an extra furlong and a half to cover today, but the pace they will go could just see some of his old jumping errors resurface.
However, this Grade One race is certainly loaded in Kauto Star's favour, as he is 14lb better for the length and a half he was beaten by Monet's Garden at Aintree.
Haydock 1.05 The return to three miles can see Wichita Lineman book his ticket to the World Hurdle at Cheltenham. Second to Blazing Bailey there last month, we have yet to see the best of him this season.
Ascot 1.15 Though possibly better going left-handed, Joe Lively was able to win Kempton's Feltham Chase with a gritty performance. This bargain ex-pointer will be hard to get past.
Haydock 1.35 The progressive Tazbar looks the one to beat, having won over an inadequate two miles last time.
Ascot 1.50 Back on faster ground, Backbord returned to form with a decisive win at Doncaster. A 4lb rise looks fair.
Gowran Park 2.00 Tom Taaffe thinks Kicking King has gone the right way since his fine comeback run here last month. The former Gold Cup winner can take another step towards Cheltenham in March.
Wincanton 2.05 Despite a hike up the ratings, Lidjo de Rouge should be competitive. He found three miles stretching his stamina at Kempton last week.
Uttoxeter 2.20 Four-year-olds have been doing well in all-aged handicap hurdles recently, and the Paul Nicholls-trained Super Formen may have got in lightly.
Wincanton 2.40 A six-lengths winner over fences on his first start for Paul Nicholls at Cheltenham, Arturio gets in this handicap hurdle off a 2lb lower mark.
Haydock 2.45 It might pay to take a chance with Sixo at a big price. Blinkers have transformed his stable-mates Vodka Bleu and An Accordion this season, and if they have the same effect on Sixo he could take advantage of a lenient mark.
Wincanton 3.10 With cheekpieces on for the first time this season, Butler's Cabin is very likely to run a better race. But Neptune Collonges has a touch of class and he can show the benefit of his promising comeback effort.
Haydock 3.25 This looks a better race than the one Just For Men landed over this course and distance last time, but he could still be on a decent mark.
Wincanton 3.40 Katchit turned in his usual game effort against Osana at Cheltenham and should run his race again. But it is not easy to forget how readily Blythe Knight brushed Osana aside at Aintree last season. He could be the value.
Uttoxeter 3.50 Irish-trained Wanango represents prominent owner J P McManus instead of Don't Push It and he could prove to be well handicapped.
Tip of the day
Robin Du Bois 2.10 Haydock
Running here in preference to smart stable companion Leg Spinner, Robin Du Bois could be very well handicapped. He has had his problems since joining the Tony Martin yard, but last season's Leopardstown second to the useful Lounaos was full of promise. Reappearing in a handicap last month, Robin Du Bois shaped nicely in fifth behind Splurge and this longer trip should be to his liking.
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