Simonsig could possibly have a run in the Racing Plus Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton on February 23 before next month's Cheltenham Festival.
The grey is odds-on favourite for the Racing Post Arkle Trophy but has been forced to miss his prep run in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury this weekend after producing a slightly below-par trachea wash.
Speaking from Kempton, trainer Nicky Henderson said: "It's a pity. I wanted to run him, but I couldn't and he needs a quiet week now.
"The ideal race is to come back here for the Pendil and I wouldn't mind going over two and a half, but his owner is away and he said if you don't need to run him (before the Arkle) I'd rather you didn't."
