Joint-owner Paul Barber insists Denman has matured into a better horse this season.

Although the Gold Cup winner has not raced this term, Barber is adamant the brilliant nine-year-old is over his heart troubles.

His only scheduled port of call before the Cheltenham Festival in March is the Aon Chase at Newbury on February 7.

"I think he will be a better horse," Barber told At The Races.

"He's a nine-year-old now and fully mature.

"I know he wasn't fully mature last year, and if he has matured now I think you'll find a better Denman rather than a worse one.

"In the last couple of months he's (been) working supremely well.

"When I go to see him in the yard he's macho, his ears are back and he can't wait to go racing again.

"I would love to get the first race out of the way.

"After what happened earlier in the year (when Denman was ruled out of racing with a fibrillating heart) I still get the heebie-jeebies thinking about the race."