Cesarewitch option for Monolith

Monolith could tackle the valuable totesport Cesarewitch at Newmarket on Saturday week if there is sufficient cut in the ground.

Len Lungo’s eight-year-old could only finish 16th behind Contact Dancer on his only previous attempt at the second leg of the autumn double in 2004.

But the gelded son of Bigstone, owned by the Elite Racing Club, showed his liking for extreme distances when registering a cosy victory over two and a quarter miles at Pontefract in June.

“There’s every chance he could run,” explained Matthew Budden, racing manager to the owners.

“He’s a horse that needs some cut in the ground. He’s been left in and we’ll see if he gets into the race first and if the ground is right for him as well.

“He seems to be one who needs those really long trips and he’s a more experienced campaigner now than he was when he ran in the race two years ago.”

Monolith has been allotted 8st 4lb for the marathon handicap and is currently on offer at 25-1 with the sponsors.