Nicky Henderson’s Top Notch to stay on home soil as connections give Ascot Chase green light
The recent Kempton winner will bypass the Irish Gold Cup in favour of a crack at the Grade 1 on February 16
TOP NOTCH is set to bypass a tilt at the Irish Gold Cup in favour of the Grade 1 Ascot Chase next month.
The talented eight-year-old will attempt to improve on a well-beaten fourth in the race last year.
After getting the better of Charbel in a Listed contest a couple of weeks ago, connections believe the son of Poliglote is ready for a step back into the big time.
Anthony Bromley, racing manager to the owners, said: "Top Notch is not going to go the Irish Gold Cup, instead we are going to wait for the Ascot Chase.
"He has been a very reliable horse on the whole and has been a great horse for the owners and Daryl Jacob, and the yard love him.
"It was great to see him back to winning ways at Kempton and he beat two good horses in Charbel and Black Corton.
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"It has been a bit of a catch up this season after he bad reaction to a flu jab and we had a lot of plans before Christmas.
"It is nice to get that win under his belt and we are looking forward to seeing how he takes his next race."
The contest promises to be one to savour, with last year's winner Waiting Patiently, Cyrname, Politologue and Aso all likely to take their chance as well.