Racing:Alan King expects to be double handed in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle in March with both Karabak and Katchit being aimed at the race.
Former champion hurdler Katchit returned to form at the weekend, finishing third behind Tidal Bay in the Cleeve Hurdle.
However, Karabak was a late defector on Friday morning with King not quite happy with a scope as his string continues to recover from their early-season ailments.
“I still have a few who are not quite right and as I was not 100% happy with Karabak’s final scope, we opted out of Cheltenham,” said King. “I did not want to take any chances. My original intention anyway after his run against Big Buck’s in the Long Walk was to go straight to the Festival, so it is not a problem.
“Katchit might not have the speed of old, but the enthusiasm is certainly still there and he never stopped battling up the hill.
“I was absolutely delighted with that run, and the World Hurdle will be his next race,” he told his website, www.alankingracing.co.uk.
Karabak is a 6-1 chance while Katchit is available at 33-1.
Time For Rupert is 20-1 for the World Hurdle with the sponsors after booking his place when second in the Cleeve.
“Rupert ran a faultless race to split an Arkle winner and a Champion Hurdle winner in his trial for the World Hurdle at the Festival,” said trainer Paul Webber.
“He travelled the best he has ever done through this race, a sure sign that he is developing and improving still.
“He gave 4lb to the winner and third, which in that sticky ground was quite a task.
“His owner, Toby Drysdale, and I have kept telling each other that as Rupert is a chaser in the making, this would be a quiet, tricky season for him. We are enjoying it more than expected!
“I feel that given a trouble-free preparation, his horse will improve further in the next six weeks to give him a very good each-way chance.
“However, I have no illusions of being able to trouble an in-form Big Bucks; that might be dreaming a little too much,” the Banbury handler told his website www.paulwebberracing.com.