Minella and Copy to skip Cheltenham

Min lla Foru and Copy That may be featuring in ante-post lists for handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival, but trainer Eddie Harty has ruled out an upcoming cross-channel raid for JP McManus' pair.

The progressive duo are quoted for the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase and the County Hurdle respectively.

However, punters are advised not to factor either of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival victors into the equation.

"Plans would be fluid with Copy That and Minella Foru at the moment. We'll be looking at spring targets with both," disclosed Harty.

"I'd imagine Fairyhouse and Punchestown ideally but nothing is cast in stone. Cheltenham is out of the picture for them.

"They were never going to be entered for Cheltenham and haven't been."