Bandit closer to Gold Cup run.

Therealbandit's prospects of running in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup next month have increased without the gelding taking a step outside his box.

Owner David Johnson watched Our Vic gain a smooth success on his debut over fences at Exeter yesterday and stated that his 2-11 winner would not run in the same Festival race as Therealbandit. As Our Vic's likeliest target is the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, Johnson's words suggest Therealbandit could end up being diverted to the Gold Cup.

Johnson said: "Our Vic will have one more run before the Festival, although where that will be has yet to be decided. Therealbandit is very, very well and I'm not ruling him in or out of the Gold Cup at this stage."

Johnson, who will only consider the Irish Independent Arkle Chase for Our Vic if the ground was very testing, added: "That was a nice introduction for Our Vic on atrocious ground. He jumped out of it extremely well for a novice."

Henderson stands firm over Sunley

NICKY HENDERSON defended his decision to allow Sunley Future to run at Kempton yesterday after the horse got loose at the start of the first division of the Future Stars Standard Open NH Flat Race.

After unshipping Mick Fitzgerald, the five-year-old gelding completed almost a circuit of the track but, after being caught by Henderson and checked over by the vet, the well-backed 7-4 favourite was allowed to take his place in the line-up.

Sunley Future made headway from the rear to have every chance, but faded from two furlongs out. Henderson said: "I don't think it made any difference to how he performed. Sure it's not the perfect situation, but this horse has to learn what he has to do and that is go down there and run. That is absolutely paramount from our point of view."

Baracouda set for Sandown run

BARACOUDA is set to be a surprise runner in the Tote Scoop6 Sandown Handicap Hurdle on Saturday as Francois Doumen's champion continues his build-up to the Cheltenham Festival.

Doumen said: "He is a different horse this year and I feel that I should enjoy running him."

Rhinestone Cowboy heads the 14 entries for the Agfa Hurdle on the same card.