No decision on Bandit Festival target

OWNER David Johnson yesterday refused to rule out a tilt at the Tote Cheltenham Gold with his promising novice Therealbandit.

The seven-year-old could still tackle the blue riband even though he took a heavy tumble four out when still going well in the Pillar Property Chase won by Jair Du Cochet at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Therealbandit is undergoing treatment from physio Mary Bromiley, but Johnson is confident of having a crack at either the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Festival.

Johnson added that another factor to take into account when considering Therealbandit’s Cheltenham target would be how Our Vic gets on in his first novice chase at either Warwick or Folkestone.

Jair Du Cochet’s trainer Guillaume Macaire was equally reluctant to commit his charge to the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The French trainer has insisted that the Cathcart Challenge Cup is a realistic option for the seven-year-old.

Macaire surprised many by stating the two-mile-five-furlong event could be considered as an alternative to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Macaire admitted that Jair Du Cochet’s last three visits to England have provided him with some contrasting emotions with his disappointing show when favourite for the Pertemps King George VI Chase last time a particular low.

Asked how he saw a rematch between Jair Du Cochet and Best Mate at Cheltenham going, the trainer said: “Best Mate is very effective at Cheltenham but so is Jair Du Cochet. “Kempton is a different course entirely and the King George a different race. If they met it would create a lot of interest and, after his win yesterday, who could be confident of saying what would happen?”

Bookmakers slashed Jair Du Cochet’s Cheltenham Gold Cup odds after his 12-length victory over Rince Ri and the layers are hoping the French runner will oppose Best Mate in March.

Truckers Tavern is a 16-1 shot with the same firm for the race and he is set to head straight Prestbury Park.

Ferdy Murphy’s nine-year-old parted company with Tony Dobbin in spectacular style three fences from home in the Pillar but Murphy reports the gelding, who finished second in last season’s Gold Cup, to be none the worse for his blunder.

Although Murphy has not made a definite decision, he is leaning towards heading straight to the big race on March 18 without a further outing.

Robert Alner will give Sir Rembrandt a thorough examination this week after his disappointing show in the Pillar. The eight-year-old was pulled up by jockey Andrew Thornton on the second circuit after failing to get in the race. However, Alner reports no obvious problems.

Sir Rembrandt is a 25-1 shot with William Hill for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but Alner is reluctant to commit to any plans.

Alner did have some encouraging news on his other stable star Kingscliff, who is due back at his Locketts Farm yard next week after staying with Bromiley.

Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup betting:Coral: 4-6 Best Mate, 6-1 Jair Du Cochet, 8-1 Keen Leader, 11-1 Kingscliff, 12-1 Beef Or Salmon, 16-1 Truckers Tavern, Rince Ri, Sir Rembrandt, First Gold, 20-1 Florida Pearl, 25-1 Commanche Court, 33-1 bar.