Johnson keen to book McCoy for bandit

David Johnson is hoping to recruit Tony McCoy to ride Therealbandit in next month’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The champion owner is likely to have two runners in the championship race as he also has Celestial Gold, who would be the mount of his retained jockey Timmy Murphy.

Celestial Gold is a best-priced 10-1, with Therealbandit among the outsiders at 40-1.

Asked about his Gold Cup plans, Johnson told Channel 4 Racing today: “Fingers crossed that they get there. My main hope obviously is Celestial Gold, and I think Therealbandit will probably run as well.

“I heard on TV this morning that AP (McCoy) didn’t have a mount. If Tony is free, then I’d love him to ride for me.”

Celestial Gold ran very well last time out to finish a close-up third in the Aon Chase at Newbury last month.

He was beaten one and a half lengths and a head by Farmer Jack, who has since won the Racing Post Chase under top weight, and Strong Flow, who will renew rivalry at Cheltenham.

Therealbandit was last seen when beaten 16 lengths into second place by Grey Abbey in the Pillar Property Chase at Prestbury Park at the end of January.