Paul Barber, joint-owner of Denman, today voiced concerns about running his Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in the John Smith's Grand National.

The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old was one of 123 entries revealed yesterday for the Aintree showpiece on 4 April and is as low as 7-1 favourite in the ante-post betting lists.

But Barber is not enthusiastic about the idea and would prefer to wait until Denman is a year older.

He said: "I would much rather that he went for the Grand National next year and I also know that Harry [Findlay, joint-owner] is now not as keen as he was."

Denman is scheduled to make his seasonal reapperance in the Aon Chase at Newbury a week on Saturday having had his return delayed due to treatment for an irregular heartbeat.

Nicholls has been stepping up Denman's work in recent weeks after considering running him over hurdles during the Christmas period, and Barber expressed satisfaction with his unbeaten chaser after a schooling session yesterday.

Barber told today's Daily Telegraph: "He schooled really well, and probably jumped between 20 and 30 obstacles.

"He's in great order and he even gave a buck and a squeal.

"The fact is that you can't give any thought to later plans until he has run in the Aon Chase and we see how he is.

"The vets have assured us that he's right, but we will never really know until he has a race.

"I know some think it is exciting in the build-up to Newbury, but for us, it is nerve-wracking."