Forpady could still make Cheltenham

Forpadydeplasterer is very much on the road to recovery after returning a sick horse when pulled up in the King George VI Chase at Kempton two weeks ago.

Trainer Tom Cooper has not ruled out the Cheltenham Festival for the 2009 Arkle Trophy hero, who was found to be clinically abnormal following his disappointing effort in the rearranged Christmas feature won by Long Run.

"He's very good this week. He's trotting round the roads now," said the County Kerry handler.

"Hopefully we'll see him run again this season, but we'll just sit tight for the minute. We'll keep the options at Cheltenham open for the time being."

Forpadydeplasterer has three entries at the Festival - the sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase in which he was second last March, the Ryanair Chase and the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.