Newcastle preview: Fighting Fifth Hurdle (14.05)

David Metcalf | November 27, 2015

Top Notch ran a blinder when runner-up on seasonal reappearance and can go one better to land the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle (14.05).

The gelding was a dual winner in France before joining trainer Nicky Henderson and developing into one of the very best juvenile hurdlers of last season.

After winning his first three starts for Henderson in impressive fashion, the four-year-old posted a cracking effort to finish second of 16 to stable companion Peace And Co in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Top Notch made smooth headway two from home, and after taking up the running at the last kept on strongly to go down fighting by just a neck.

It was a terrific effort against a very exciting prospect, and one which suggested Top Notch needed keeping firmly onside.

Top Notch can get revenge over champion Irving

That view was confirmed when the son of Poliglote finished 1 1/4 length second to Irving on his return to action at Haydock last weekend.

Top Notch travelled powerfully at the head of affairs and looked all over the winner until making a mistake two from home.

To his credit, Top Notch quickly recovered and still led at the last but he was then unable to fend of Irving in the closing stages as lack of race fitness took its toll.