Johnson still undecided

David Johnson has yet to decide which race his star novice Therealbandit will tackle at the Cheltenham Festival.

A newspaper report yesterday suggested that the seven-year--old had been committed to the Tote Gold Cup, and while that is an option, the leading owner says no definite plans have been made.

“We may run Therealbandit in the Gold Cup but we’ve certainly not made up our minds,” Johnson told the Racing Post.

“I’m not being awkward, but I’ve not seen Tony McCoy since he came back from injury and I’d like to know what he thinks, and Martin Pipe has not decided either.”

The Torus gelding has looked a smart prospect when twice winning at Prestbury Park before falling last time out in the Pillar Property Chase – a race won by Gold Cup second-favourite Jair Du Cochet.

“Every option will be considered. We could even run Our Vic in the Gold Cup, if we supplemented him, but they’ve all got to get to the Festival first.

“There could be any kind of mishap over the next 10 to 14 days so we don’t want to commit ourselves.”

Therealbandit also holds entries in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, for which he is 5-2 favourite, and the Cathcart Chase.