Denman trades at just over 4-1 on Betfair for the Hennessy - but Timeform believe that he may have to run a career best to win at Newbury.

The 2008 Gold Cup winner ran to a mark of 176p when winning this race two years ago, and only the mighty Burrough Hill Lad has surpassed that Hennessy effort in recent decades.

But even a repeat of that win, or his Cheltenham victory, could still see him struggle to justify favouritism on Saturday

Kieran Packman, Timeform's Communications Manager, commented "Since the days of Arkle, only Burrough Hill Lad's performance in 1984 would surpass Denman's effort in winning the Hennessy so authoritatively from an official mark of 161 two years ago.

"As far as we're concerned, he'll need to run to a similar level (which was close in ratings terms to his Gold Cup victory) if he's to defy a 13lb higher mark this time around.

"Interestingly, another previous winner, State Of Play, also appeals as well-treated as he bids to repeat his 2006 victory. Second-season chaser Gone To Lunch is the other contender who looks on a fair mark, judged on his Scottish National second last term."

To win the Hennessy - Betfair bet: 4-1 Denman, 6-1 Barbers Shop, 8-1 What A Friend, 17-2 Killyglen, 9-1 Cappa Bleu, 17-1 State Of Play, 18-1 Ballyfitz, 21-1 Gone To Lunch, 27-1 Snowy Morning, 31-1 Nenuphar Collonges, 332-1 Kornati Kid, 35-1 My Will, War Of Attrition, 41-1 An Accordion, 49-1 Offshore Account, 54-1 Joe Lively, 59-1 New Alco, 69-1 Niche Market, 79-1 Mon Mome, 119-1 Chelsea Harbour.

Timeform weight-adjusted ratings: 188 State Of Play, Gone To Lunch, 187 Casey Jones, 184+ Denman, 184 Offshore Account, Snowy Morning, Joe Lively, 183x Chelsea Harbour, 182+ What A Friend, Barbers Shop, 182 Niche Market.