Request heads Trophy contenders

Philip Hobbs’ Champion Hurdle contender Noble Request has been handed top weight of 11st 12lb in the totesport Trophy at Newbury on February 10.

The six-year-old showed progressive improvement last season to win the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr.

He has also carried that form through this term by finishing second to Straw Bear and Jazz Messenger in Grade One events this season.

Former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Arcalis and Champion Hurdle fourth Al Eile are next on the list at 11st 9lb.

Studmaster, Jessica Harrington’s 2006 Pierse Hurdle winner, has been handed 11st 3lb, while David Pipe’s Acambo, winner of the Swinton Hurdle and The Ladbroke on his last two starts, is on 10st 13lb.

Mister Hight, an honourable second in the Pierse Hurdle at the weekend under top weight, has 10st 12lb along with Hasty Prince and United.

Exciting novices Silver burn (10st 8lb), Tipperary All Star (10st 6lb) De Soto (10st 4lb) and Moon Over Miami (10st 2lb) all look attractively weighted.

Irish challengers Victram (9st 11lb), Lenrey (9st 9lb), Kendor Dine (9st 9lb) and New Field (9st 6lb) will be hoping for a significant rise in the weights.