Kilcooley is likely to spend a second consecutive season on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a leg injury.
The dual Grade Two winner has not been seen since he was pulled up in last year's Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trainer Charlie Longsdon has issued an upbeat report on the eight-year-old's progress, but feels time will be against him in making it back to the track this season.
The Chipping Norton handler said: "He scanned very well and the healing has gone well, but it just takes time.
"We will bring him back in the spring and we will do loads of work with him, but I doubt he will run.
"I think it will be more like next season before we see him, if I'm totally honest. He is ahead, but we don't want to force the issue."