Yorkhill© Photo Healy Racing
The untapped potential of Yorkhill will come under close scrutiny when he bids to maintain his unbeaten record over fences in the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
Winner of the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at last year's Festival, the Graham Wylie-owned gelding has not been extended over the bigger obstacles in either outing at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.
"I didn't get him going over fences until Christmas time. I thought I had the other two for the Champion Hurdle (Annie Power and Faugheen) and I said I'd let him go chasing," said trainer Willie Mullins.
"I thought about it (going back to hurdles) for about two seconds and then I said 'no'. I spoke to Graham Wylie and he was thinking the same thing.
"We could always come back over hurdles next year, but we'll see how he gets on in Cheltenham."
However, the Mullins star did give a slight scare or two in the traditional pre-Cheltenham schooling and galloping session at Leopardstown recently, before coming home with his head in his chest against two stablemates.
"He was sticky over the first three, no doubt, but he jumped fantastic after that and Ruby (Walsh) was very animated afterwards," said Mullins' son and assistant, Patrick.
"I think he's an absolute weapon. I loved him as a bumper horse. He is tricky to ride, but Ruby was able to harness him in the Neptune last year and I think he'll do the same in the JLT.
"Horses do get beat, but I'll be disappointed if he can't double his Cheltenham tally."
Walsh was in the saddle for the racecourse workout and believes Yorkhill can go right to the top.
"He dwelt in the air (early on in Leopardstown work) but the way he attacked the next five I loved and he's schooled really well since," Walsh told Racing UK.
"Yes he's a difficult ride at times, but he has a serious engine. He can be a challenge, but I'm looking forward to it, I think he is a very good horse.
"I honestly think he could be a Gold Cup horse this time next year. I think the tempo of this race will suit him." Disko is a Grade One winner over fences, having lifted the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown last month.
Trainer Noel Meade reports his runner to be in tip-top shape but he has the utmost respect for Yorkhill.
"Everybody saw he jumped great and hopefully he'll do that again. He was good in Leopardstown. He's in terrific form, he really is," said the Navan handler.
"I saw Yorkhill in Leopardstown, he finished hard on the bridle and he looked so full of himself, I think he learned from his mistake and he'll be hard to beat, his form last year is very good so we'll need to up our game.
"It's a tricky course, but we go with plenty of hope.
"He's only six so we've every reason to think there's more to come." Top Notch has gone from strength to strength in his first season over fences, winning his last four starts culminating in the Grade One Scilly Isles' Novices Chase at Sandown last month.
Trainer Nicky Henderson has been as pleased as anyone with his efforts.
"We have always loved Top Notch because he has been so consistent - he is just a tough, honest sort," said the Seven Barrows handler.
"He was fifth in the Champion Hurdle and that is what he is. He has grown in confidence over fences and been brilliant."
Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, feels Top Notch's claims must not be underestimated.
"He's been a wonderful horse. He had a great juvenile year and only just got nabbed by Peace And Co in the Triumph. It was always the idea to go up in trip, but he was a bit of revelation for us all in the Grade One at Sandown. We've got a bit on our plate but he goes there with a great shout."
Paul Nicholls has made no secret of his regard for Politologue who goes into the race with a decent record of three wins and a second in four races over fences.
"He won well at Kempton the other day and has a leading chance," said the Ditcheat handler.
"We always thought he would make into a nice chaser and he did really well from run to run. He jumps very nicely and is rated 152, which is a real smart mark for a novice over fences, and Cheltenham has been the aim all season." Flying Angel has won both his completed starts in four attempts over fences and his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies approaches the race with some optimism.
"Hopefully, he goes there with a good chance. He's highly-rated and I'm looking forward to the run," said the Naunton handler.
