Monkerhostin to head straight to Cheltenham

MONKERHOSTIN is likely to head straight to the Cheltenham Gold Cup after connections opted to bypass the Ascot totesport Chase at Lingfield on Saturday.

Trainer Philip Hobbs confirmed the prospect of soft ground at the Surrey venue had led to the nine-year-old side-stepping the Grade One event.

However, the Minehead handler will still be represented at the Surrey venue by Supreme Prince in a race which has attracted a strong field of seven runners.