Harry Findlay has admitted Saturday is D-day for Denman in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

The famous part-owner of 'The Tank' will not be backing his pride and joy to repeat his fantastic win in the race two years ago.

And in a typically frank appraisal, the professional gambler believes Saturday's race will tell everybody whether or not the nine-year-old is still the force of old.

"That's one of the great things about Denman, I think we will know quite quickly how we stand after about five or six fences - we will either be really short or a big price (in-running)," Findlay told At The Races.

"I had a decent bet two years ago when he won, but I won't be having a bet on Satsurday.

"It's a big day for Denman, we'll either have him back and he'll be a contender for everything or maybe it's over. We'll find out on Saturday exactly where we stand.

"He's never looked anything but good there (Newbury) and if he wasn't putting in a good run on Saturday, I think we would be in trouble.

"I won't be lumping on, but on the other hand I don't want to put anyone off. Paul Barber (co-owner) virtually lives with him and is very, very happy with him. He schooled very well on the indoor circuit on Thursday.

"He's been in a month earlier, he's as fit as Paul (Nicholls) can get him and according to both the Pauls, he is in really good nick. Around Newbury, despite the big weight, there's no excuses for Denman.

"When he fell at Aintree and the crowd went silent and the screens were up, just to have him back as 4-1 favourite for the Hennessy and Paul Barber telling you you only have to look him in the eye to know he is back, is great news.

"At his best when he won the Gold Cup he was just fantastic and if he runs like that he would win, but I find him hard to price up."