REST OF HAYDOCK CARD

THE Betfair Price Rush Hurdle over two miles would have been more informative with Nicky Henderson’s Sign Of A Victory in the line-up. As it was, Paul Nicholls’ Irving followed up his victory in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, beating Sign Of A Victory’s stable-companion Top Notch by just over a length with the other pair, Melodic Rendezvous and Fou Et Sage, no danger in the closing stages.

In a stop-go affair Top Notch, only just pipped in the Triumph Hurdle in March, went on early and stayed in front to two out, where Irving (10/11 favourite) made his effort. The response was not immediate and he still had work to do at the final flight but ran on to gain the day in the final 75 yards. Given that he was very fit and Top Notch, still only four, was making his seasonal reappearance, the latter did very well at level weights.

Nicholls was thinking in terms of today’s `Fighting Fifth’ Hurdle at Newcastle for Irving, especially as winning rider Nick Scholfield was adamant it was the right race for him.

Irving is picking up plenty of prize money for his owners with last week’s race worth over £60,000.

It will be interesting to see where Henderson goes with Top Notch and indeed Sign of A Victory. His next appearance may well shed more light on the Champion Hurdle picture.

Daryl Jacob was delighted with Top Notch, who looks set for a successful campaign.

WILLIAMS AGAIN

Venetia Williams is proving a reliable Saturday ally where punters are concerned and landed the marathon Betfair Home of Price Rush Handicap Chase with 9/2 chance Emperor’s Choice in the hands of Aidan Coleman. This was an outstanding piece of training because the eight-year-old was having his first outing since winning last season’s Welsh National and was running off a 4lb higher mark. Ridden along some way from home, he led again two out, battling on to hold Lackamon by nearly two lengths.

Emperor’s Choice had leg trouble after Chepstow and connections will be hoping there is no adverse reaction. As things stand, he is set for a repeat bid, possibly taking in the London National at Sandown in the interim.

SKELTON SHINES

This was a very valuable card and 12/1 shot Baradari now by Dan Skelton, earned well over £45,000 when scooting clear in the Grade 3 Betfair `Fized Brush’ Handicap Hurdle over nearly three miles.

Baradari led two out for Harry Skelton and readily went clear to beat Definitly Red by seven lengths with the others well strung out.

“I laid him out for the race,’’ the trainer said. “He’ll be back for the Rendlesham and we’ll see if he can step up to the top level.’’

HAMMER THE BOOKIES

The Philip Hobbs team is moving along nicely but it was Tom O’Brien rather than Richard Johnson who benefited as Rock The Kasbah, 9/2, galloped eight lengths clear of Aerlite Supreme in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle. The form of the winner’s previous second at Chepstow is smart and he may well go in again although the handicapper will have his say. O’Brien sees him as a chaser in the making.