Chester plan for Montaff

Montaff is under consideration for the totesport.com Chester Cup on May 4 after his belated victory at Ripon on Saturday.

Mick Channon’s gelding had not won since landing a Newcastle maiden in 2008 despite going on to finish second in the Lingfield Derby Trial and being considered worthy of taking to Dubai both this year and last.

He sneaked up the rail to collect a two-mile handicap at the Garden Racecourse and is 20-1 with the sponsors for Chester.

“That will do for now, but I’m convinced that there’s a level of consistency in this horse that we’re yet to see,” the trainer told www.mickchannon.tv.

“He’s obviously talented, but he’s been something of an enigma since the Derby and it was a matter of keeping the faith. I think he’s matured and hopefully that’s the case and we’ll look at the Chester Cup.”