TOP NOTCH EFFORT CAN LAND SPOILS FOR NICKY

NICKY HENDERSON has won three of the last six runnings of the Relkeel Hurdle and he launches a three-pronged attack this year.

The Seven Barrows trainer (below right) looks to hold a strong hand in today’s Grade Two feature with TOP NOTCH (Cheltenham, 3.05), Whisper and 2013 Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth. Preference is for the youngster of the party, although the ability of Top Notch to see out the two and a half miles must be taken on trust as the fiveyear-old’s stamina is untested at the trip.

The selection was a strong stayer as a juvenile hurdler, which lends a fair amount of hope this test will suit and, although unsuccessful in his last three starts, he has run to a high level in defeat.

Henderson’s gelding demanded Identity Thief pull out all the stops in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and ensured the talented Irving produced similar determination at Haydock. On both occasions he was strong at the finish, as he was in the Triumph Hurdle last March when stablemate Peace And Co was just a shade too classy.

There should be a generous gallop with last season’s World Hurdle winner Cole Harden in opposition, but he could face competition for the lead from Bobs Worth and the deep conditions may compromise his chance.

Whisper has questions to answer on this ground following his Newbury effort in the Bet365 Long Distance Hurdle, but the progressive Virgilio is an intriguing runner following facile wins at Warwick and twice at Aintree.

An excellent card has a number of highlights, not least a Dipper Novices’ Chase which features seven class animals and an exciting favourite in Three Musketeers.

However, SEE YOU AT MIDNIGHT (Cheltenham, 1.20) was only beaten a dozen lengths in last year’s World Hurdle and he ploughed through the Carlisle mud to post a highly impressive win last month.

A war of attrition appears to suit the northern raider admirably and he could surprise one or two of his more fashionable southern counterparts if he is allowed to dominate. The step up to three miles suited

SINGLE FARM PAYMENT (Cheltenham, nap, 2.30) perfectly at Southwell last time and it is worth noting the horse that chased him home, Western Warrior, has since won by 30 lengths at Lingfield. Tom Lacey’s gelding has been left alone by the handicapper for that success and that may prove an error in judgment.