Top fits the Bill to win the Tommy Whittle Chase

CHRIS WRIGHT AIMS TO BE FIRST PAST THE FINISHING POST

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TOP Of the Bill can secure victory in the Betfred Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (2.05pm) at Haydock Park this afternoon. While Impose Toi can win the Grade One Howden Long Walk Hurdle (GBB Race) (2.25pm) at Ascot.

Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies’ nine-year-old can win the feature on the final meeting before Christmas at the Merseyside venue.

Top Of The Bill won three times in 2024, scoring over three miles in generally testing conditions at Exeter twice in a Limited Handicap Chase at Wetherby last November. And despite being pulled up in the London National at Sandown this time last year, he resumed winning ways in the ‘West Wales National’ Handicap Chase at Ffos Los on his final start of the campaign in March.

He resumed where he left off on his seasonal return over course and distance, making almost all in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase, before scoring by an impressive seven lengths from the reopposing Anthony Honeyball-trained Saladins Son.

He is up 9lbs to his highest career mark for that success but with track, trip and underfoot conditions all suiting him, Top Of The Bill can continue his recent form and land another victory on Merseyside.

Last year’s Tommy Whittle third Famous Bridge - from the Nicky Richards’ stable - always goes well at Haydock and could leave recent form behind to run well. While Jacks Parrot - from the Cheshire stable of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero - may build on his seasonal return when fourth at Bangor last month to give Top Of The Bill most to think about.

At Ascot the improving Impose Toi can land a first Grade One success in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle (2.25pm).

Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old appears to be the rising star in the staying hurdle division and he can bring up a hat-trick of wins this season.