Gold Trip Not Worrying Johnson

Richard Johnson is adamant Monkerhostin can handle the energy-sapping trip in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The nine-year-old proved his appetite for an extended three miles when he finished runner-up to Kicking King in the Stan James King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.

Now Johnson is confident Monkerhostin, the 5-1 joint-favourite with VC Bet to win the blue riband at the Festival, can transfer that staying-on display on the Sandown run-in to the daunting Cheltenham hill on March 17.

'I've never ridden him and not got the trip ? that has never been a worry,' said Johnson.

'He's got bags of natural ability, travels really strongly and jumps really nicely ? that would help any horse around Cheltenham.

'He's easy to deal with in that respect.

'It's not as if he's a front-runner that has to make it all.

'Hopefully the trip will not be a problem ? I think he's in good form,' he told Racing UK.

? PA Sport