Nicky Henderson will delay a decision over Sharpical's Smurfit Champion Hurdle participation until Tuesday - one week before the big race.

The six-year-old, three-length winner of the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury last month and as low as 14 to 1 for the Champion after his victory, was taken out of the betting after it was revealed he had met with a setback.

"He is cantering," said Henderson at Newbury yesterday. "He will do a little bit of work over the weekend but the one thing I do not want to see is him back in the Champion Hurdle betting. I don't want people backing him at this stage.

"We have not ruled out the Champion Hurdle. He has been scanned and nothing has shown up, so we are creeping along quietly. By Tuesday next week we should know whether he is going, one way or the other."