GORDON ELLIOTT might be busy preparing Silver Birch for an Aintree Grand National return in April, but in the meantime Top Mark can scoop up today’s ladies handicap hurdle at Clonmel, writes Brian O’Connor.

Elliott has decided to bypass Cheltenham’s cross-country race with Silver Birch, and instead the 2007 National hero will take in another point-to-point as well as a hurdle race before heading back to Liverpool.

Such lofty ambitions might be out of Top Mark’s range, but despite top weight in today’s race, he looks to have a good chance.

Top Mark returned from a lay-off at Thurles last week and looked all over a winner before the last, only to come up short behind Zanwood. He was noticeably weak in the betting that day and it’s likely that the run has brought him on significantly.

The latest Willie Mullins bumper newcomer is Not For Converting, who will have to be pretty decent to account for Galactic Warrior, who put in a promising debut behind Quel Esprit at Christmas.

Galant Ferns was a disappointing favourite at Limerick last month but may be worth another shout in the opener, while the step up to two-and-a-half miles could see Baily Light improve in the other maiden hurdle. Rock Street can add to his course and distance victory here in December in the conditions chase.