Connections of last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman were left feeling optimistic after the nine-year-old pleased in a workout this morning.

The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding suffered heart problems earlier in the season and made a less than spectacular comeback when a distant second at Kempton last month.

Part-owner Harry Findlay had even expressed doubts whether Denman would defend his Gold Cup crown a week on Friday, but today's schooling session has left him feeling happier.

He said: "Sam Thomas rode him and he went over a couple of fences four or five times. You couldn't give him anything less than nine out of 10. He looked really enthusiastic, jumped very well and seemed to have plenty of zip between the obstacles.

"The best thing about it for everyone was the enthusiasm he showed. He looked very happy and will be a runner in the Gold Cup."

Denman had drifted out to 10-1 with Betfair for the Gold Cup but was down to around 13-2 today, with Totesport cutting him a point into 6-1.

Findlay added: "I am still concerned he might not be the same horse he was. Last week he schooled indoors and was very poor. I think he surprised Paul this morning."

Nicholls said: "He jumped 10 fences and went really well - he was full of enthusiasm. It left us very positive."