Moscow may wait for Champion

Moscow Flyer may head straight to Cheltenham in preparation for his defence of the Queen Mother Champion Chase on March 15.

The 12-year-old has been beaten on his last three racecourse appearances and was a possible for next month’s Byrne Group Plc Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown – a race he took last year.

However, trainer Jessica Harrington told the Racing Post: “The Tied Cottage is not that far away and I may not run him again before Cheltenham.

“His coat is looking good once more and he’s in bouncing form, but I want to see how things go with him before deciding on plans.”

Moscow Flyer is now available at 5-1 to retain his Queen Mother Crown, a race he took last year and in 2003.