Haydock 'bike track' off Denman agenda

And the champion trainer, who called Haydock "a bike track" this week, is even considering giving the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner his 2009 debut over hurdles - although the Aon Chase at Newbury on 7 February, as first reported in Standard Sport in early October, remains the most likely option.

The Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on 17 January had been hinted at for Denman's first run of the season, but Nicholls appears to have ruled that out as he feels the new tight turns at the track, that have been introduced since the chase course was moved, wouldn't suit.

Denman's reappearance has been delayed after the eight-year-old was found to be suffering from an irregular heartbeat in September and Nicholls said: "He is not quite ready to run at the minute. He's working along nicely and I've still got it in my mind that the Aon is the target.

"However, I've suggested to Paul Barber (Denman's half-owner) that we might run him over hurdles before Newbury, but in all probability he'll start in the Aon."

Meanwhile, Belcantista, ante-post gamble for Saturday's Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot, has sneaked in one from bottom in the 21-horse line-up.

But, after hinting he would partner the Philip Hobbs-trained six-year-old, champion jockey Tony McCoy has chosen to ride ante-post favourite Aigle D'Or with Tom O'Brien aboard Belcantista. Both horses are owned by JP McManus.

Tony Martin's Psycho, as short as 8-1 with Totesport, was the only fancied runner not to be declared for the two-mile handicap.

Aigle D'Or's trainer Nicky Henderson will be doubly represented in the Grade 1 BGC Long Walk Hurdle later on Saturday's Ascot card when both Duc De Regniere and Punchestowns line-up in the 3m1f contest.

Punchestowns tries the trip for the first time and will be ridden by Barry Geraghty while Duc De Regniere, winner of the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, will have the assistance of McCoy.

Blazing Bailey, Pettifour, Mobaasher, Elusive Dream, One Gulp, Hills Of Aran, Serabad, Lough Derg and German raider Atamane complete the 11-runner field.

Ladbroke Hurdle (sponsors' odds): 5 Aigle D'Or, 7 Ashkazar, Belcantista, Numide, 8 Sentry Duty, 14 bar.