Training legend Martin Pipe believes the Dunguib camp have done the right thing in sticking to the novice route at Cheltenham next week.

Connections of last year's brilliant Bumper winner have resisted calls to tackle the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle rather than the Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

The now-retired Pipe, twice a winner of the Champion, is in agreement with that line of thinking - and rates the seven-year-old Dunguib as the 'banker' of the showcase meeting.

He told the Daily Mail: "I would have done the same thing. The Irish think he's the banker and if I had to take five horses there he'd be my first choice.

"A fast-run race will be ideal for him."

Pipe is also in the corner of Kauto Star landing a third totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

He added: "The ground looks to be favouring him more than Denman and he's simply the best.

"Master Minded won well last time after the injury and should win another Champion Chase."

Pipe also gave a good word to two contenders trained by his son, David.

He said: "Notus De La Tour is near top weight in the Fred Winter and he's only had one run for the stable. But he's a nice young horse who will want good ground.

"Ashkazar has been a little disappointing but the conditions (in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle) should suit him and I'm expecting him to go a lot better."