Denman and Kauto Star News for Cheltenham Gold Cup 2009

Betting at the Cheltenham Gold Cup 2009?Preparations for the Cheltenham festival have been thrown for a loop recently as Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman has been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Punters and racing enthusiasts are concerned that Denman may not be in top form for the Cheltenham Gold Cup race in March. There has not been a single Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who has successfully defended their title after returning to action so late in the season.With Denman's fate up in the air, many informed bettors are turning their attention to Denman's stable-mate Kauto Star who was the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in 2007. Trainer Paul Nicholls was quoted as saying that Kauto Star is "back to his best" and will likely be running in the James Nicholson Champion Chase at Northern Ireland's Down Royal Racecourse on November 1. The late return to action for Denman could actually see him race at Aintree's Grand National meeting, the Punchestown Festival in April or Sandown's finale.