Coneygree has suffered a minor setback and will miss the BetBright Cup Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The eight-year-old, winner of his two starts over fences for Mark Bradstock’s Letcombe Bassett stables, near Wantage, tweaked a back muscle after putting in an impressive piece of work on the gallops.

The Denman Chase at Newbury on February 7 and the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot a week later are alternative options or he could head straight to the Cheltenham Festival where his target is the RSA Chase.

Saturday’s Grade 2 contest has attracted eight entries including Hennessy Gold Cup hero Many Clouds and last year’s winner, The Giant Bolster.

Dynaste, Holywell, Smad Place, Black Thunder, Theatre Guide and Double Ross complete the line-up.

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