Paul Nicholls is delighted with the condition of Denman ahead of the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup.
The Ditcheat handler admits to being surprised at just how well his Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up looks at this late stage of the season.
"He does look particularly fresh and well for him. He's done very well since Cheltenham, which is unlike what normally happens. We are very happy and looking forward to running him," he said.
"I like Punchestown, it's more relaxed than Aintree and Cheltenham because I'll have a runner in nearly every race there, but you get time to enjoy this. There's a lot less pressure and it's a great meeting."
Denman will face 11 rivals, including another former Gold Cup winner in 2006 victor War Of Attrition, trained by Mouse Morris. He is having the last run of his career.
Notre Pere goes for Jim Dreaper and Willie Mullins is double-handed with Cooldine and J'y Vole, while Paul Nolan saddles Joncol.
Barry Geraghty, who rides Barbers Shop for The Queen, believes Denman is the one to beat.
The jockey told At The Races: "Joncol goes into the race fresh. Conditions might be a little bit good for him, but he still has to be respected - he's a horse that is improving.
"Cooldine ran a bit keen in Cheltenham, but if he settles he could run a big race.
"But Denman has had a month or so since the Gold Cup, so he's going to be well in himself. Paul Nicholls wouldn't be bringing him over unless he was happy with him, so he is the one we have to beat."
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