Top Notch has Altcar aim for Nicky Henderson

Top Notch is set to tackle the Altcar Novices' Chase at Haydock on January 21.The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old has been good over fences to date this season, winning three of his four outings.Last time out he stepped up to two and a half miles at Ascot and he will race over that trip again in the Grade Two on Merseyside."There is a Grade Two for Top Notch on Peter Marsh day at Haydock," said Anthony Bromley, racing manager to owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede."That was his first go over that trip over fences, but we didn't see much as it was the day of the fog."I think that is as far as he wants, he won't be going any further at this stage."He loves soft ground so Haydock should be no bother."A week later the same colours will be in action at Doncaster where the smart Wholestone is due to run at Town Moor.He won a Grade Two over three miles at Cheltenham last time out."The thinking is that Wholestone will go to Doncaster for the (Albert Bartlett) River Don. He wants three miles," said Bromley.