Kasbah swerves Cleeve test

Punchestowns is one of 10 horses entered for Saturday's Byrne Group Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.

However, a pre-World Hurdle clash with Kasbah Bliss will not take place after Francois Doumen elected not to send last year's Festival runner-up.

"I said all along that the Cleeve Hurdle was only an option and we have decided that the race has come too soon for Kasbah Bliss," said Doumen.

"Last year he went to Haydock in February (Rendlesham Hurdle) before the World Hurdle and we will look at that again.

"That is not a definite plan and we will see nearer the time."

Punchestowns, who heads the betting for the World Hurdle in March following victory in the Long Walk at Ascot, is likely to be a warm order to extend his winning run to three for trainer Nicky Henderson.

Paul Nicholls has the option of running recent course and distance winner Big Buck's, while Nigel Twiston-Davies is double-handed with Amber Brook and Pettifour.

No Refuge, Tazbar and Turpin Green could all represent the north, while the field is completed by Fair Along, Blazing Bailey and Saturday's Ascot winner Lough Derg.

Knowhere heads entries

The Letheby & Christopher Chase - registered as the Cotswolds Chase - on the same card has attracted 16 entries including last year's winner Knowhere.

The 11-year-old beat Our Vic by six lengths in the Gold Cup trial 12 months ago and, along with Ollie Magern and Imperial Commander, is one of three entries for Nigel Twiston-Davies.

The latter disappointed in the King George last time out but the trainer wants to find out if he is Gold Cup material.

"He's been in good form since the King George. We don't know whether he'll run in the Gold Cup yet," said the Naunton handler.

"We will give him a run beforehand to decide which will be his best race.

"There is a possibility that he could run in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday, we are just not quite sure yet."

Jonjo O'Neill appears to have a strong hand with Lexus Chase hero Exotic Dancer and King George runner-up Albertas Run, while Paul Nicholls has entered Star De Mohaison and Nozic.

Barbers Shop is also a fascinating contender for Nicky Henderson while Tidal Bay could be given another chance to prove he stays the 3m1f trip.

Owner Robert Ogden could by represented by Star De Mohaison or Exotic Dancer, although it is unlikely both will line-up.

"It's always been our plan to run Star De Mohaison in this race and unless the ground got very testing he will definitely run," said his racing manager Barry Simpson.

"It's possible Exotic Dancer may run as well. A lot depends on how the weather goes this week and what the ground is like. If it was very testing I might run Exotic Dancer and not Star De Mohaison.

"At this stage they both could run, but a factor is that Exotic Dancer has a penalty in the race and Star De Mohaison doesn't.

"Exotic Dancer can go to Ireland for the Hennessy where he wouldn't have a penalty.

"Both horses will be entered in the three prep races - the Cotswold this weekend, the Irish Hennessy and the Aon at Newbury early next month as well. They will hit one of those three races.

"The governing factor will be the underfoot conditions."