Mephisto Champion bid looks unlikely

Mephisto appears almost certain to miss the Smurfit Champion Hurdle after trainer Howard Johnson decided to give his charge some time off.

An expensive purchase from Luca Cumani by Graham Wylie, the gelding has picked up a number problems over the years and his handler will have him inspected by a vet.

A good winner of three of his five starts over timber, Mephisto was a general 20-1 shot for Cheltenham but has already been removed from the market by several firms.

“The vet will have a look at him on Monday, but I suspect that Mephisto needs a thorough MOT,” Johnson told the Racing Post.

“He has had problems since he was a foal and wears bandages because of his dodgy joints, while he has chipped a knee and had trouble with a sesamoid.

“So when he pulled out a bit sore the other morning I thought the time has come to stop. Graham already has Arcalis and possibly Akilak lined up for the Champion, so it makes sense to give Mephisto the time he needs.

“He’s a very good horse with an engine and he is too good to risk.”