Bandit to skip Chepstow

Martin Pipe has decided against running Therealbandit in the totesport Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow on Saturday.

A classy novice chaser last term, the gelding was expected to have a spin over hurdles before returning to the bigger obstacles.

He holds an entry in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup on November 27.

The Nicholashayne handler reported on his website, www.martinpipe.co.uk, that the ground is likely to be too wet at the Welsh venue for his seven-year-old, who may instead be sent to the Paddy Power Open meeting at Cheltenham next month.

“Therealbandit will not be running at Chepstow. We just wanted to let everyone know nice and early and we will probably take him to the meeting at Cheltenham,” he told At The Races.

Pipe also reported that another of his stable stars, Arkle Trophy winner Well Chief, was set to miss his first target of the season, next week’s William Hill Haldon Gold Cup Chase at Exeter, and may instead head for the William Hill Tingle Creek Trophy.

“Well Chief will not be ready for Exeter – it is a bit early for him. We will probably have to go straight for the Tingle Creek, but he is coming on really well,” he said.

If the gelding does make his reappearance in the race at Sandown on December 4, he is set for a mouthwatering clash with Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Azertyuiop, who is also set to kick off his season at the Esher track.