MONBEG GENIUS

7yo Shantou – Ella Watson (Supreme Leader)

Trainer

Jonjo O’Neill

Possible Cheltenham Target

Ultima / Kim Muir

Owner

Barrowman Racing Limited

Possible Target Elsewhere

Midlands / Scottish National

WINNER of his last three starts, Monbeg Genius is a rapidly-improving young staying chaser and Jonjo O’Neill’s novice might be capable of landing a nice prize before the season is out.

Only fourth, over an inadequate trip, at Aintree on debut, he won off 122 at Newcastle, before twice winning at Chepstow Successful at the Welsh venue over hurdles last spring, he is clearly well-suited to the track and readily saw off four rivals on his most recent start, travelling kindly on the front-end. Value for more than the winning margin, he got in tight when allowed to pop the final fence and the handicapper saw fit to raise him 5lbs for this, so he heads into the spring on a mark of 137.

That rating would give his connections the option of either the Ultima or Kim Muir at Cheltenham, but a galloping track seems to suit him well and he could, therefore, instead be considered for either the Midlands National or the Scottish equivalent at Ayr. The same stable won the former with a similar type in 2021 – Time To Get Up, who actually made his debut in the same race at Aintree – so it could be that Uttoxeter is the preferred option. Given his record at the track, the Welsh Grand National next Christmas might be a long-term aim.