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With the forthcoming Gold Cup ‘match’ betweeen Kauto Star and Denman likely to dominate the build up to the festival it’s been suggested that we have a definitve thread to allow all-encompassing discussion of this race thus avoiding having multiple threads on the subject sprining up and leaving space for other threads to sit on the forum. So here it is.
For me the clash is reminiscent of the great fight betewen Ali and Foreman in the 70’s.
In Kauto Star we have Ali. Quick on his feet, stylish and he’s been there and done it, several times over.
In Denman we have Foreman. An awesome powerhouse who pulverises his opponents into submission with a sustained barrage of crushing blows to the body.
There was a defining moment in the build up to the Ali/Foreman fight when Ali, surrounded by his entourage, was passing by the Foreman training camp. Looking in, Ali saw Foreman working the heavy bag. George was pounding it with such ferocity that the guy holding the bag was feeling the force of the punch through the bag. Remember this was a very significant heavy bag. Such was the impact on this spectacle that Ali’s entourage began to fear for their man’s life as they watched Foreman’s fist slam into the leather with stupefying force.
I thought yesterday was Denman’s heavy bag moment.
<i>Postscript -</i>
Ali watched on. While too clever not to be afraid Ali then worked out the strategy which won him the fight. Rather than do exactly what the opposing camp thought he would do, that is skip and dance his way out of trouble, Ali resolved to stand and take the punishment, draining Foreman’s reserves, before launching his own offensive.The only difference is that, this time, Angelo Dundee is in both corners.
I have backed Kauto Star in every race he has run in during the past three seasons – apart from once when I deserted him in favour of Monet’s Garden, who beat him at Aintree when receiving weight from the Gold Cup winnner, over two and a half mlies. When he sauntered to victory around Haydock last season, I immediately thought he’d remain undefeated that season. In fact, I reckoned there and then that Kauto Star was the best we had seen in a long, long time. Accordingly, I backed him to win both the 2007 King George and Gold Cup with extreme confidence.
Enter Denman.
Denman, I have also backed in every race during the past two seasons – from apart from this year’s Hennesy win, when I felt his big weight would prove his undoing. How wrong I was. Admittedly, his Lexus win was nowhere as eye catching as his Sun Alliance, Hennessy or AON Chase wins, but I am a firm believer he CAN stop his more illustrious stable companion from retaining his Gold Cup crown at this year’s festival. Why? Because I am convinced that Kauto is vunerable over the extended three and a quarter miles at Prestbury Park, and that Denman’s relentless galloping style (which reminds me so much of Mill House and Burrough Hill Lad) and stamina will test Ruby Walsh’s chosen mount to the hilt and will negate the finshing kick of the champion.
I will therefore be backing Denman to win the 2008 Cheltenham Gold cup. I think he is, as the old saying goes, one helluva horse.
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
All i can say is that i am really, really looking forward to the Gold Cup and Kauto Star and Denman going head-to-head.
I think Denman is the most powerful horse i have seen, he’s an absolute monster. He doesn’t really seem to be going that fast either and he has other horses with their foots flat down to the floor.
The race is going to be a fantastic one, and i am thoroughly looking forward to it.
Just to add, he has come out of the race yesterday, in great health…
Denman has been given a clean bill of health following his romp in the Aon Chase at Newbury on Saturday.
Paul Nicholls’ totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup-bound star enjoyed a pleasing prep for the Festival feature, slamming his three rivals by 20 lengths and more at the Berkshire course.
Dan Skelton, assistant trainer at Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard, said: “He’s absolutely fine. It was clear for everyone to see that he’s in great health and in great order.”
He added: “Obviously he wasn’t at his absolute peak and we were using the race as a way of sharpening him up. Now it will just be a case of keeping him going and getting him spot-on for the big one.”
Denman is widely available at 2-1 to win the blue riband event on March 14, with his stablemate and reigning title holder Kauto Star rated a 5-4 chance by sponsors totesport.
Clive Smith, owner of last year’s winner, suggested on Saturday that the eight-year-old would not be certain to line up in Saturday’s Commercial First Ascot Chase if ground conditions were deemed unsuitable.
However, the extended two-mile-five-furlong Grade One remains the plan as Skelton explained: “I think Clive was just wanting to be open and let everyone know what he was thinking. We’re all very open about our targets and thoughts and we just have to be mindful of these things.
“It’s only a suggestion and wouldn’t be a really heavy worry or anything like that.”
Is everyone experiencing the text
disappearing off the right-hand
side of the screen?Yes it’s because of Gaz’s link.
Gaz can you sort it out mate, I can’t read what anyone has wrote
Cheers,
Mike
Not sure why this is rolling off RHS of screen, nor why it doesn’t scroll.
Will look onto it.Seems fine now.
Given his connection with the PN stable, it’s to be hoped that Alex Ferguson hasn’t been gifted a share in either of the ‘big 2’.
Can just imagine him throwing toys out of the pram on being told about the stud fees!I know it won’t happen, but I can’t get a vision out of my head of Denman running in the National under top weight and doing a Crisp; only this time being successful….
Seems fine now.
Given his connection with the PN stable, it’s to be hoped that Alex Ferguson hasn’t been gifted a share in either of the ‘big 2’.
Can just imagine him throwing toys out of the pram on being told about the stud fees!Eh
Stud Fees
Stud Fees 
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