Champion trainer Nicky Henderson has labelled Top Notch a ‘legend’ as he seeks to follow up last month’s outstanding Ascot victory in the Peterborough Chase.
The six-year-old was a smart novice last season, winning Sandown’s Grade One Scilly Isles before going down by just a length at the Cheltenham Festival.
After three placed efforts, he established himself as a leading two-and-a-half mile chaser and is a hot favourite for his trip to Huntingdon.
“Top Notch had a lovely run around Ascot,” said the master of Seven Barrows.
“He jumped very well and he did it really well in the end. He seems in great form at home and has come out of that race pretty well. He’s a solid old horse and he’s becoming a bit of a legend, I’d like to think he’s our best chance of the two.”
Henderson also saddles Josses Hill, who ran out an impressive five length winner of this race last year.
Since his win in Cambridgeshire, he hasn’t gone close in any five starts including almost a 60 length defeat at Ascot on is return.
“Josses Hill is very good and I hope he’s come on a bit for his first run,” said the Lambourn handler.
Only beaten by Yorkhill in the JLT last season and he does have a King George entry
“He didn’t really enjoy Ascot, the race got a bit messy in behind. He was behind Top Notch in that Ascot race, but he won this last year. I think he’s in good form it would be nice to see him run well.”
Charbel, who travelled strongly before falling in the Arkle, returns to chasing after a solid run over hurdles at Wincanton last time out.
Kylemore Lough, who was pulled-up when a favourite in the BetVictor Gold Cup, runs for Harry Fry, whilst Ptit Zig, God’s Own and Sire De Grugy also feature.
TIP: Top Notch was pretty outstanding at Ascot last time and it is hard to look past him doing so once again here. I liked the way he put the race to bed and he looks set for another big performance here. God’s Own isn’t without a chance, especially as he is the best on ratings. Kylemore Lough could be my each-way fancy. Outofthisworld runs in the bumper at Huntingdon and should run very well.
