Hobbs: Soft ground would ruin Monk chance

Philip Hobbs has issued a soft ground warning about his totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Monkerhostin, who is disputing favouritism with Beef Or Salmon at 5-1 with the sponsors.

The nine-year-old emerged as an unlikely market leader for the blue riband when failing by just a neck to catch Kicking King in the Stan James King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. He will be accompanied to post by stablemate One Knight.