Monsignor's performance in Saturday's Spoton Novices' Hurdle at Uttoxeter will determine the direction in which he will be heading at the Cheltenham Festival according to trainer Mark Pitman.
As expected after missing a planned excursion to Doncaster over the weekend due to the unavailability of regular partner Norman Williamson, the six-year-old was one of 10 entries made today for Saturday's extended two-and-a-half-mile event.
An emphatic victory over the distance could see the gelding, winner of last season's Weatherbys Champion Bumper, take in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle while a less than positive performance at Uttoxeter would see Pitman aim his charge at the two-mile Festival opener, the Capel Cure Sharp Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Pitman reported himself delighted with Monsignor's progress.
"He is spot on," he said of his unbeaten hurdler. "I couldn't have him better.
"Saturday will prove whether or not he gets the longer distance and we will then decide which race to go for at the Festival but I am delighted with him."
Pitman also had positive news about his Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Ever Blessed, who won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury on his last visit to a racecourse.
He said: "He is very well and we are hopeful of his chances in the Gold Cup."
The Weathercock House trainer confirmed Ever Blessed would be aimed straight at chasing's blue riband rather than take in a prep race, although he is considering taking the gelding for a racecourse work out next week at Newbury.
"He needs a bit of time between his races," said Pitman. "However, I'm hoping to get permission to give him a workout after racing at Newbury on Saturday week."
Pitman went on: "Both See More Business and Looks Like Trouble would take some beating in the Gold Cup.
"But I would like to think he could at least run into a place and would be happy with third or fourth."
