Westender takes novice option Martin Pipe has opted to run Westender in the Gerrard Supreme Novices` Hurdle rather than take on Istabraq later on Tuesday`s Cheltenham card.Westender could be joined by stable companion the impressive German import Bernardon in the Festival`s opening event.Pipe said that Tony McCoy is expected to partner Westender, while jockey arrangements have yet to be made for Bernardon, who has been a leading light in ante-post markets since Supreme betting began.'Tony McCoy is expected to ride, although I suppose that might change if the ground was to alter,' said Pipe. 'But at the moment, Tony rides Westender.'Westender looked a future star when beating The French Furze two lengths at Cheltenham in November but he has since disappointed behind Marble Arch at Ascot.Pipe added: 'We`ve freshened him up and he`s in good form.'A total of 45 entries were left in the race following today`s confirmation stage with Christy Roche`s Like-A-Butterfly, who carries the colours of J P McManus, sure to be a well-supported favourite to get Ireland off to a winning start at the three-day meeting.
