Court In Motion, who was a general 16-1 chance for the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase, will bypass the Cheltenham Festival after suffering a minor setback.
Emma Lavelle's charge chased home leading RSA Chase candidate Dynaste at Newbury on his second start over fences last November before winning a Grade Two event at Lingfield the following month. The eight-year-old is also quoted by some bookmakers for the RSA, but Lavelle admits he will not be ready in time.
She said: "He's just given himself a little bit of a knock, it's something minor, but it's just come at the wrong time of year. If he had done it in November or even early December, it wouldn't have been a worry and we could have had him ready in time for Cheltenham."
The handler continued: "We don't want to rush him, though, and then find we miss the rest of the season so we will wait for Aintree and Punchestown with him. Realistically, he won't be ready for Cheltenham.
"We'll have a look at Aintree. Around a sharper track like that, I think we will be looking at three miles, so he could go for a novice or we might have a look at a handicap."
Houblon Des Obeaux was second to Court In Motion at Lingfield and he is among the 85 possibles for the four-mile Festival heat on March 13. Lavelle has substitute contenders in Court By Surprise and Highland Lodge, but the Paul Nicholls-trained Rocky Creek currently heads the ante-post list, along with Willie Mullins' Vesper Bell.
Nicholls and Mullins have four and six entries respectively, but David Pipe tops the list with seven - including No Secrets and Poole Master.
Other leading contenders among the entries include Mullins' Back In Focus, Nicholls' Keppols Hill and the Dessie Hughes-trained Raz De Maree, although that horse is reportedly being aimed at the Irish Grand National.
Pauline Robson could aim for a memorable success for Rival D'Estruval, who was a winner at Kelso last month.
13 May 2013
Fabre confirms Ocovango for EpsomAspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout
12 May 2013
No hurry for Jammy plansGuest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning
11 May 2013
Felix foot-perfect on fencing debutCavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory
10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests