Keys misses Bumper bid

It has been revealed today that Keys has been ruled out of the Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham due to a bacterial infection.

Trainer Roger Charlton is hoping the four-year-old will have recovered in time for a similar race at Aintree next month.

“Keys has been heard to give the occasional cough recently and unfortunately I have just received the news that his scope results have confirmed he has a bacterial infection,” the Beckhampton handler told his website www.rogercharlton.com.

“This will mean there won’t be enough time to prepare him for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in less than two weeks. The bumper at Liverpool could be an alternative target for him.”

Keys was prominent in the betting at around 12-1 after being unbeaten in all his three races so far.