Top Notch Champion bid confirmed

Top Notch is an intended runner in the Stan James Champion Hurdle following his impressive victory at Kelso on Thursday.

The Nicky Henderson-trained five-year-old disappointed in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, but last season's Triumph Hurdle runner-up showed his true colours in the Morebattle Hurdle.

Connections are now keen to let him take his chance in a Champion Hurdle that has a far more open look to it following the defection of last year's winner Faugheen due to injury.

Anthony Bromley, racing manager for Top Notch's owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, said: "It was so pleasing to see him get his head in front after some tough races in defeat this season.

"All roads lead to Cheltenham now. All being well, he'll run in the Champion Hurdle and we'll see if he can sneak a place."

Bromley said it is still "up in the air" whether last season's Triumph hero Peace And Co would join Top Notch in the two-mile showpiece on the opening day of next month's Festival on March 15.

He has been bitterly disappointing in two starts so far this term, but underwent a minor respiratory procedure following his latest short-priced defeat at Sandown.