Fitzgerald looking for Top Notch run in Navan

Davy Fitzgerald is hoping a run in tomorrow’s Lismullen Hurdle at Navan will put Mister Top Notch right for some big targets during the next month.

The 10-year-old, a Grade One winner as a novice chaser a couple of years ago, ran a fine race to finish fifth on the level at Galway last week.

His trainer is eyeing a couple of valuable prizes for his charge in the coming weeks, with the Hennessy at Newbury and a valuable hurdle race at Haydock both under consideration.

“His run at Galway the other day surprised me a little bit to be honest and he has come out of it really well,” said the County Limerick handler.

“I would be worried about the real heavy ground on Sunday but he had been off a long time and this is another stepping stone for him.

“After this he might go to Haydock (November 21) for a big race over the fixed brush hurdles.

“He’s rated 140 over hurdles and nearly 160 over fences so Haydock looks a good option.

“He could either go there or for the Hennessy, it will be one or the other of those two.

“He should run a nice race on Sunday but he will improve for the run.”

Mister Top Notch will face five rivals including last season’s Coral Cup hero Ninetieth Minute.

Oscar Dan Dan and Noble Prince both line up on the back of victories, while Aitmatov and Beckett Rock complete the field.