By MIKE DILLON
If punters kept scrapbooks, it's doubtful Denholm would be on Page 1 of many of them.
The now veteran Zabeel gelding makes his jumping debut in the $7000 Porrit Sand Steeplechase at Te Rapa this afternoon and he'll be looking to improve on a record of letting punters down.
Is that being too tough on a horse who, with eights wins and a $145,635 bank balance, has already done more than most racehorses.
Probably, but there will be a few punters out there with memories who would probably like to see the fences just a bit higher for Denholm to jump today.
Trainer Don Sellwood defends Denholm.
"The media probably put too big a rap on him in the early stages.
"At that point the Zabeels were really firing and a lot was expected of him, but really he only battled his way through."
Denholm is going to start favourite again today after impressively winning his only two steeplechase trials at Paeroa and more recently at Cambridge.
"He started schooling last year, mainly over hurdles, but he took those too cheaply so we switched him to steeplechasing.
"Ross Elliot has being doing all the work on him and he seems very pleased with him."
In race two today, Takanini filly Acertaintee will be out to redeem herself after being beaten favourite at Otaki last month.
Acertaintee finished only seventh that day and co-trainer Stephen McKee says there was no obvious excuse.
"She normally jumps out and puts herself in the race. That day she showed nothing," said McKee.
The start before Acertaintee looked a big improver when she was run down in the last few strides by impressive winner Danavon, who has gone on to win again at Ellerslie.
It may prove wise to ignore the failure last start.
Media Queen and first-starter Santiago are capable of threatening.
Racing: Denholm's chance to atone
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