Berry confirms Newbury plan for Champ

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, says Champ is being aimed at the Betfair Denman Chase on Saturday.

The Nicky Henderson-trained runner is one of 10 entries for the Grade Two contest over three miles at Newbury this weekend.

Berry has revealed there have been some minor injury issues for Champ, but feels the nine-year-old has come through those, as he builds towards the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“Nicky's very happy with him and the plan is to run there (Newbury),” said Berry. “He's had a few niggly problems, but he seems to be back now. Lets hope the racing is on and we get there on Saturday.

“We'll be looking to be forward to it and hope everything goes well.

“It would be most important to get a run into him before the Gold Cup.”