Chandler race is new target for wayward star

Meanwhile, one Cheltenham door has closed and another has opened for Paul Carberry following the news that Harbour Pilot will miss the rest of the season after scans revealed a minor problem in a foreleg. Carberry excelled on Noel Meade's gelding when the pair finished third in last year's Gold Cup, but Harbour Pilot's absence this year paves the way for him to partner Beef Or Salmon on 18 March.

Michael Hourigan's gelding is normally ridden by Timmy Murphy, but Carberry deputised when Beef Or Salmon humbled Best Mate in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown two weeks ago and looks odds on to do so again if Murphy is claimed to ride for Martin Pipe on Gold Cup day.

The four-man review, which has been prompted by last November's European Court's decision that the BHB has no right to charge bookmakers for pre-race data such as runners and riders, has been welcomed by Richard Caborn.

However, the sports minister has reiterated that the government have no intention of helping broker a deal to extend the current levy system ahead of a year when the sport is set to suffer at least £10m in expenditure cuts.

He said: "The racing and betting industries should continue to plan for deciding future financial arrangements between themselves. And the outcome of the next two months will assist in deciding the best solution for all."