Racing:Denman heads a field of 21 for Saturday's prestigious Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. Paul Nicholls' star chaser is one of three runners in the race for the champion trainer and the 2007 winner is forced to run off a mark 13lb higher than two years ago.
Nicholls, though, is confident he and his other two charges are in good form ahead of the weekend.
"They're all in good heart. We schooled Denman and My Will this morning and they seemed in good order. Sam (Thomas) schooled What A Friend earlier in the week and he seems well too," he said today.
Evan Williams is another trainer to hold a strong hand with 2006 winner State Of Play the subject of strong support this week and the choice of stable jockey Paul Moloney.
Cheltenham Foxhunter winner Cappa Bleu also represents the Welsh handler, with Wayne Hutchinson a late replacement for Jamie Moore.
Nicky Henderson, who won the race in 2005 with Trabolgan, relies on Barbers Shop, who is owned by the Queen.
Howard Johnson sends impressive Aintree winner Killyglen from his County Durham base while Grand National winner Mon Mome runs for Venetia Williams with Aidan Coleman taking over in the saddle.
Nigel Twiston-Davies runs Ballyfitz but has taken out Roll Along.
The Irish challenge is headed by another former Gold Cup winner, Mouse Morris' War Of Attrition.
Noel Meade also sends over his Grade One-winner Casey Jones while the red-hot Willie Mullins relies on Snowy Morning.
Nenuphar Collonges, Kornati Kid and Gone To Lunch are also among the high-class field.
Hutchinson is understandably thrilled to step in for the mount on Cappa Bleu. Currently riding as second jockey behind Robert Thornton at the powerful Alan King yard, he had his first winner at the Cheltenham Festival in March aboard King's Oh Crick in the Grand Annual Chase.
"I'm delighted," said Hutchinson. "It doesn't come much better than riding a Cheltenham Festival winner in the Hennessy.
"Obviously he has still got a bit to prove, he looked good last year but he's only had the one run under rules.
"We know he stays though and he's a class act in his own right.
"I haven't spoken to Evan yet but he's trained a Hennessy winner and he knows what it takes to have the right attributes in a horse so its very exciting.
"I've just been creeping along quietly since Cheltenham, but it's great to be given an opportunity such as this."