To be honest its a no bet race.
If you must decide on the race w/o denman,

I fear for Denman round here, these fences are rock solid if you meet them wrong, you dont get 2nd chances.... Jenny Pitman always said the Milday is just about the hardest jumps track in the uk, cant argue with that.

I worry for Denman's welfare tomorrow. Don't think he should be running. Aintree does not suit. He was spent when he fell there 2 years ago, and came close to breaking his shoulder. This was due to the horse being under maximum pressure at the time - horses become uncoordinated when they get tired. It's what makes Aintree such a tough course following on the heals of Cheltenham - they go championship pace round a very tight track.
People referencing Exotic Dancer as a benchmark of the form Denman showed in that race are way off too - Exotic Dancer hit virtually every fence and it was only his bravery that got him into his finishing position - and the exertion cost him his life as he dropped dead afterwards.
Many fatalities at Aintree - even trainers don't seem to respect the toll it takes on a horse that has had a hard race at Cheltenham.

Punchestowns is only horse who has enough raw talent to win, he's fresh and could be the one to upset a below par Denman.

I couldn't have Punchestown, CVB. He isn't a good enough jumper, and lacks strength. I think they label horses like him an 'enigma'. Not good enough for top level jumping, and wouldn't be good enough over hurdles either. I don't see the 'raw talent' you talk about.

Fancy Punchestowns at the current prices and I'm a massive Denman fan.

If you ignore his Cheltenham runs (to me it seems obvious that he's isn't at home at the place, his form there is markedly different to everywhere else)his form is 1111121 and has shown himself to be a grade 1 winning chaser and hurdler I think will benefit going to Aintree fresh after a break.

Denman's a better horse, no doubts but with all the circumstances surrounding this I think Punchestowns will just have enough to sneak it tomorrow.

i dont see any reason to suggest that pride of dulcote was anything more than a good novice chaser. i can think of handfulls of novice chasers that could win 2 very average chases. i dont think punchestowns is up to much either obv if he cant beat a horse like pride of dulcote. i think pod was made out to be much better than he was on account of beating punchestowns, which as we all know now isnt actually hard to do at all

Won't Surprise me, he already did that this season when beating Roberto Golback in Jan

He's 22/1 in w/o Denman market. Think the extra distance will suite.

As much as I love Denman I think the exertions of Chelters will have taken its toll & am opposing him with the Henderson pair - Punchestowns fresh and Caroles Legacy as tough as nails.

Simple - CL stands up to racing frequently, Denman doesn't. Therefore my view is that Denman will feel it far more.

When will people learn? Did warn you all. That was just horrible to watch. Denman does not deserve such callous treatment. Aintree is completely the wrong track for the horse - how connections could not appreciate that after his run 2 years ago I'll never know.
Some Watford WH punter had 50 grand on Denman at 5-4. Oh to be a bookmaker - ffs, the BBC coverage is abysmal as well. Not a clue.

spot on Lady M - as you say, the Festival invariably leaves its mark on horses that have run in the GC. Appalling decision to run him again at Aintree. Such a gutsy campaigner who has earned connections so much money he deserves better at the age of 11.

was there - he was absolutely knackered - feared for him down home straight - glad he got home safe.

Totally different proposition trying to follow up at Aintree after running a big race in the Gold Cup than in any other race.

On a different tack, I don't think Punchestowns is very good over fences.

as steve says, i dont like to say it rondetto, but i told you so

hurdles now i suppose

And I thought I was a bad judge going for Denman