Paul Nicholls has revealed that Denman has returned from his sensational weight-carrying exploits at Newbury last weekend in rude health.

The nine-year-old got back in the winning enclosure with an impressive performance in the Hennessy Gold Cup and it was confirmation that he had fully recovered from a heart problem that he had suffered from since his Gold Cup victory in 2008.

Nicholls did also admit that he was in no rush to find a new target for the superstar.

"It appears he's back to his very best and he was fine the next morning. I thought he'd be really tired, but he has probably come out of this as well as any race," Nicholls explained.

"He's cantered the last few days and we're not going to be in any rush with him now, but it has amazed me how he has come out of the race.

"He was given a full MOT on Tuesday by our vet and everything is A1."

Nicholls also explained that he thought Kauto Star would win a Hennessy Gold Cup, but it is not a race he would ever consider putting the dual-Gold Cup winner in.

"Denman and Kauto Star are totally different horses and I possibly wouldn't have run Kauto in the Hennessy under top-weight as the King George is a much more suitable race for him," the trainer continued.

"But I would have to say, with what I know, I think Kauto probably would have beaten What A Friend at this stage of What A Friend's career.

"He stays and has won two Gold Cups, so why shouldn't he have won?"

Kauto Star will be in action in the King George on Boxing Day, when he will go in search of a remarkable fourth consecutive victory in the race.

"He's been cantering every day and is back in to three weeks of full work now," added Nicholls.

"We couldn't be happier with him and since his run at Haydock he has bloomed and it has definitely improved him immensely."

Kauto Star V Denman, round three, looks set to be one of the best chase races of all time.  Punters can follow this link to BET365 and grab a free bet on the Cheltenham Gold Cup meaning they can form their allegiances now.