REST OF THE UK CARDS PLUS SAM TURNER —
TALENTED TOP NOTCH (Ascot, 3.35) puts an unblemished track record on the line when he faces six rivals in a mouthwatering renewal of the Betfair Ascot Chase today.
Three trips to the Berkshire venue have each yielded victories for Nicky Henderson’s pocket rocket and the seven-year-old must resist the challenge of Coney Island, Waiting Patiently and popular veteran Cue Card, among others, if he is to also extend an impressive unbeaten sequence on right-handed tracks to six.
Those statistics make notable reading for Top Notch supporters and inspire confidence, even if this is the stiffest test he has faced in a 22-race career.
However, that comment can also be applied to a number of his rivals. Waiting Patiently is looking to strengthen his Ryanair Chase claims and Coney Island attempting to become a live Cheltenham Gold Cup contender with victory. (Robin Goodfellow) Both have reserves of untapped potential, but then so does Top Notch, who travelled powerfully before hammering King George runner-up Double Shuffle by eight lengths here before Christmas.
Elsewhere, an authoritative victory for Blaklion in the Betfred Grand National Trial would see last year’s National fourth a tight price to go three better in April, while connections may also consider an ambitious tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
However, THE DUTCHMAN (Haydock, 3.15) created an excellent impression at the North West course last time and could be a hard horse to peg back if finding some rhythm at the head of affairs. Danny Cook rides this track well and the horse appears to have benefited from a breathing operation in the summer.