Dynaste (grey) pictured on his way to victory in last years Ryanair© Photo Healy Racing
Dynaste looks set to defend his crown in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after coming up short on his return to Prestbury Park on Saturday.
Having filled the runner-up spot behind Silviniaco Conti in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, David Pipe's grey was favourite to go one better in the BetBright Cup Chase, but had to make do with minor honours in third behind Many Clouds and Smad Place.
While not ruling out a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Pipe admits his charge is more likely to come back in trip in March.
He said: "Dynaste ran a good race. He was just beaten by better horses on the day.
"We'll keep our options open, but it all looks to be pointing to the Ryanair."
Another Pipe inmate with Festival ambitions is Un Temps Pour Tout, who was a beaten favourite in the Cleeve Hurdle.
The six-year-old was far from disgraced in finishing third on his first start since last May and Pipe is anticipating further improvement ahead of the World Hurdle.
"We were very happy with him. It was his first run over three miles and I think we can get him better and ride him differently going forward," said Pipe.
"Hopefully he'll be back there in March for the World Hurdle."
