Hobbs considers Monk dual strike

Philip Hobbs has not ruled out running Monkerhostin twice at Aintree this week.

Hobbs’ nine-year-old, sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his last start, could be sent out on consecutive days in the Betfair Bowl on Thursday and the John Smith’s Melling Chase on Friday.

“He definitely runs Thursday and he will be left in the Friday race as well,” the Somerset handler told the Sportsman.

“There is the possibility he could run in both as he is a tough horse who can take it.”