Monk on the comeback trail

Monkerhostin will bid to get his season back on track, and also boost his Order of Merit chances, in the Faucets For Mira Showers Silver Trophy at Cheltenham tomorrow.

The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding put up high-class performances to win the Haldon Gold Cup and finish a neck-second to Kicking King in the King George VI Chase at Sandown earlier in the season.

However, he ran below-par when sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and fourth in the Betfair Bowl at Aintree last time out.

“He seemed a bit flat at Aintree but has since been very fresh and well in himself at home,” Hobbs said.

The nine-year-old is currently in second position in the £300,000 (€433,700) Order of Merit with 75 points.

Monkerhostin will face six rivals in the £50,000 (€72,300) contest as he attempts to reduce the deficit of eight points that separates him from leader Royal Shakespeare.

He would only have to finish in the first three to overtake Steve Gollings’ hurdler and would tie for the lead if he finished fourth.

The overall winner of the Order of Merit nets £200,000 (€289,100), with £50,000 (€72,300) each for the top chaser and hurdler.

Hobbs added: “The Order of Merit would be great reward for the team here after a long season and we will consider the Betfred Celebration Chase at Sandown Park following tomorrow provided the horse comes out of the race well.”

Monkerhostin’s opponents at Cheltenham include Our Vic, who beat him by two and a half lengths in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November.

Martin Pipe’s runner now meets his old adversary on 7lb better terms.

Champion-trainer elect Paul Nicholls runs Le Roi Miguel, Cornish Sett and Kadarann in the Grade Two race.

Ruby Walsh has opted to ride Cornish Sett, with conditional Liam Heard on Le Roi Miguel and Paddy Brennan on Kadarann.

The field is completed by the Venetia Williams-trained Kelrev and Carl Llewellyn’s Too Forward.