Top Notch to reap reward of Peterborough switch

Top Notch will face just four rivals in the rearranged Peterborough Chase at Taunton today as jumping returns following a three-day blank caused by the recent cold snap.

Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old trounced his rivals when winning a Grade Two chase in a fast time at Ascot last month, and looks sure to be a warm order for what appears a straightforward task.

Stablemate Josses Hill, winner of the race at its usual Huntingdon home 12 months ago, also lines up but was well behind Top Notch at Ascot and would need a career-best to turn that form around.

David Pipe’s Vaniteux, who was formerly with Henderson, the Tom George-trained Max Ward and Ptit Zig from the Paul Nicholls yard complete the field.

The race, run over an extended two miles and five furlongs, has been transferred to Taunton following the abandonment of Huntingdon last Sunday.

Anthony Bromley, racing manager for Top Notch’s owners, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, said: “We’re really pleased to support the initiative shown in saving the race and so is Nicky. He’s running both of his horses.

“It’s a little surprising that from 10 entries only five run, but it’s nice to see a track like Taunton getting to stage a race like this, and hopefully those who turn up will get to see a good contest.

“The postponement actually may have benefited us as it’s given him a few extra days to get over his Ascot run, because it was coming pretty quick.

“The track, trip and ground should all suit Top Notch and he did look very good at Ascot, he’s very exciting.

“Nicky seems very happy with him, so we’ll see how he gets on.”

Warwick are hopeful of staging their meeting today after two inspections yesterday proved inconclusive. They will stage another at 8am this morning.

Officials report significant improvement from earlier in the week after the track was left covered by snow. Clerk of the course Jane Hedley staged an 8am inspection yesterday, but decided to check again at 4pm and was encouraged enough by what she saw to announce a third inspection.

Hedley said: “The improvement that has been shown today has been quite remarkable, so I think we’ve got to give it every chance.”

Newcastle must also pass an 8am inspection before racing can take place.