Leading trainer Paul Nicholls has stated that he will look to train his RSA Chase winner Topofthegame at the Aintree Grand National next season, with him planning for his star to be back next season after nearly two years of the track.
Topofthegame is the apple of Nicholls' eye and after suffering a season ending injury he has not be seen since finishing second at Aintree in the Grade One Mildmay Novices' Chase.
He was set for the Gold Cup last term after landing the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in 2019, but those plans had been diverted for this season.
In the lead up to the 2021 feature contest at Prestbury Park, Nicholls had explained that the eight year old was going to the Ladbrokes Trophy, however with preparations stepping up for the Grade Three event at Newbury he was halted by a leg injury again for a second year running and has now not been seen 2019.
CONFIRMED...
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) July 8, 2020
Paul Nicholls has confirmed that TOPOFTHEGAME will most likely head straight to the Ladbrokes Trophy 🐎
The RSA Novices Chase winner missed all of last season but he's currently sixth fav for next years Cheltenham Gold Cup 📝
🎬 @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/vIuedyNHvO
Speaking with Great British Racing ahead of being crowned champion trainer for a 12th time at Sandown on Saturday, Nicholls said of his gelding: “He’s fine and the plan would be for him to come in on July 1 and aim him again at the Ladbrokes Trophy.
“Now he’s a bit older this year and has had a few problems – in my view, the race to train him for would be the National.
“I think he would be fantastic round Aintree as he’s got some class.
“My aim is to try to get him back on track and have a good crack at trying to win the National with him.
“It’s not going to be easy – it’s a challenge – but he’s in good shape at the moment.”