O'Neill Has Mountain To Climb In Triumph

Jonjo O'Neill has admitted that Mountain's lack of experience could count against him in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Eighth in the Vodafone Derby and Group-placed on the Flat for Aidan O'Brien, he made a successful winning hurdling debut at Sandown earlier this month despite an suspect jump at the second-last.

O'Neill is delighted with his progress, although slightly concerned about going to Cheltenham after just one outing.

'He's in grand form. I would have loved to get another run into him, but I didn't,' he said.

'There is no point kidding yourself that his lack of experience is not an issue, but at home he is brilliant.

'He just jumped up in the air at one at Sandown and lost momentum, but he recovered and it takes a good horse to do that.

'To school him at home, you would think there was no better horse, from day one he loved it.'

O'Neill also confirmed the thinking behind sending the smart Don't Push It for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy over two miles rather than the Royal & SunAlliance over three.

'He definitely goes for the Arkle as he doesn't get a trip,' he explained.

'He couldn't beat Denman over two miles five around here in November and he won't beat him over three now.'

(C) PA Sport