In-form Tinkler given nod for Gold Cup bid on Burton Port

The booking of the Malton-born rider is also a signficant vote of confidence on the part of the horse's trainer, Nicky Henderson, and Burton Port's influential owner Trevor Hemmings.

With Saturday's pre-race favourite Denman carrying top weight of 11st 12lb as he seeks a record-breaking third Hennessy, Burton Port will run from out of the handicap at Newbury and carry just 10 stone.

And, while Henderson had hinted on Monday that his

No 1 jockey Barry Geraghty would ride the chaser, and put up some overweight, options have decided to side with the in-form Tinkler, 25, who can make the weight.

Tinkler has winning form on the horse – he was in the saddle at Bangor a year ago when the progrssive six-year-old recorded the first of his five victories over fences. Burton Port's only steeplechase defeat was in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when he was second to Weapon's Amnesty.

Though not regarded as one of the Henderson string's stable stars, the horse's Cheltenham run – and subsequent Aintree victory – suggested that he has the scope to be a very durable staying chaser.

"It's a brilliant ride to get. I rode a winner on him last year and Denman being in the race has given me a big chance," said Tinkler. "I can do 10st easy. I'm about that now and it will just be a matter of losing a couple of pounds during the week."

"Second season novices have a great record. Touch wood, his jumping is his biggest strength, as is the size of his heart. It's nice that Mr Hemmings and Mr Henderson have confidence in me. The moment you are booked for a ride like this gives you all the confidence that you need."

Geraghty now looks set to get the leg-up on the Mouse Morris-trained China Rock, who is due to carry 10st 4lb. The Irishman was in the plate when the seven-year-old finished third behind Kauto Star at Down Royal earlier this month.

Yet, while champion trainer Paul Nicholls reports Denman to be in fine fettle, he will have to produce a monumental weight-carrying performance to beat Burton Port or North Yorkshire trainer Ferdy Murphy's Big Fella Thanks who will also be carrying a featherweight 10st under Graham Lee.

Both Tinkler and Lee are in action at Wetherby today where they have a number of eyecatching rides. Tinkler's best chance appears to be on Le Platino while the Murphy-trained Riguez Dancer, Lee's mount in the third race, is well-regarded by connections.

However, the Hennessy will not be far from their minds. As Tinkler said, this Newbury showpiece provides a chance for those horses that might not be quite good enough to take on a Kauto Star or Denman off level weights in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

"I cannot wait," he added.