Denman was in superb form for his first run of the season

The 5-1 second favourite, trained by Paul Nicholls, was given a superb ride by jockey Sam Thomas, who guided Kauto Star to victory at Haydock last week.

Despite carrying 11st 12lb, Denman ran the rest of the field ragged to eventually triumph by 11 lengths.

The 9-2 favourite Snowy Morning, ridden by Tony McCoy, was a faller near the home straight on the first circuit.

Interview: Trainer Paul Nicholls

Dream Alliance stayed on for a distant second under Jamie Moore, with Character Building and Madison Du Berlais claiming the minor places.

Thomas was always well placed on board the winner, just behind the early pace set by Sir Rembrandt, and he made a decisive move with six fences to go.

He raced clear of the rest of the field and although Denman appeared to tire a little in the final stages, nobody else was able to challenge as he marked himself out as a strong candidate for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Denman is now battling for favourtism with stablemate Kauto Star for the race in March.

606: DEBATE That was an absolutely amazing performance by Denman ld

Thomas, deputising for the injured Ruby Walsh, said afterwards: "I didn't think things could get much better after last weekend, but this fella is something else.

"They didn't go much of a gallop early on and I was surprised how settled he was - for his first run of the season I expected him to be keener and doing too much. But he's a different horse this time, he's so relaxed.

"I couldn't believe how strung out they were when I had a look round, I hadn't even got out of first gear at that stage."

Trainer Nicholls was impressed with his charge's display but expects Denman to improve again.

He said: "He was fit enough to do himself justice and if he had been in the first five or six it would have been a huge run and he would have improved.

"Sam gave him a great ride. I told him to be fifth or sixth and if he bowls along in front then don't worry about it. I did say if he turned into the straight in front, he won't get beat from there."

Meanwhile, Harchibald returned to his brilliant best with a comfortable victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.

Paul Carberry's charge, the winner of the race in 2004, was initially settled in last but moved steadily through the field when it mattered.

Although Triumph Hurdle winner Katchit made a challenge for home at the last, Carberry and Harchibald responded strongly.

The pair raced on to beat fellow Irish challenger Al Eile by one and three-quarter lengths with Katchit eventually finishing third.

"He was just pegging along at the back, watching everything going on. He travelled great the whole way. I made my move and the next thing he jumped up there," said Carberry.

"His jumping got him there so quickly, he jumped so well. I just asked him to quicken on after the last and he did it well."

Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (Newbury)
1. Denman (S Thomas) 5-1
2. Dream Alliance (J E Moore) 16-1
3. Character Building (Denis O'Regan) 8-1
4. Madison Du Berlais (P Merrigan) 50-1
18 ran