THYME HILL is fancied to reach the summit in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle (2.25) at Ascot.
The highest-rated runner was an unlucky loser in this 12 months ago, when overhauled by Paisley Park late on.
Had he not been committed for home a little sooner than ideal, the smooth traveller would have held an unbeaten record for the season.
Philip Hobbs' charge thwarted Roksana for a top level triumph at Aintree's Grand National meeting, after he missed Cheltenham through injury.
He holds Thomas Darby, On The Blind Side and Lisnagar Oscar on that run, while Third Wind and his old rival Paisley Park were pulled up.
The latter's form has taken a dip, which puts him on a 2lb inferior mark to Thyme Hill, 7lb lower than in this a year ago.
Buzz's unfortunate late defection leaves Champ as Nicky Henderson's main hope – and he should not be underestimated.
But if the nine-year-old lays down a challenge, Thyme Hill has the all-important race fitness on his side to see it out best.
NO ORDINARY JOE fits the bill in the Betfair Exchange Trophy (3.35) at Ascot.
The unexposed type raced with plenty of zest at Cheltenham under Nico de Boinville before taking third.
Nicky Henderson's runner did plenty wrong there, pulling hard and hanging left under pressure – but he should have learned plenty.
Now 4lb better off with the winner West Cork, the five-year-old has a great chance of turning the form around.
BELAMI DES PICTONS looks well-treated in the Listed Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase (3.00).
Trained by Venetia Williams, who won this with Houblon Des Obeaux in 2013, the ten-year-old's rating was 148 at his peak – and he's down to 135.
Fourth at Bangor after 648 days off the track, the race has thrown up several subsequent winners.
Ground conditions look perfect and he should get a good pace to aim at with a couple of front runners in the line-up.
At Haydock, REMASTERED can gain compensation in the Virgin Bet Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (2.40).
The mudlover fell when travelling with gusto in the Ladbrokes Trophy, which handed the initiative to Cloudy Glen.
David Pipe's stayer impressed with the way he won the Reynoldstown during the previous season, putting in fluent jumps and staying on strongly.
If he resumes in a similar vein, he should have too much class for his 15 rivals.
The Dan Skelton-trained BOSS MAN FRED edges the verdict in the Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle (2.05).
Without an outing for 440 days, that will not be a worry as the yard can get one ready after a lengthy break.
The seven-year-old won a handicap by nine lengths off 124 – but the margin could have been greater at Harry Skelton's request.
That makes his berth off 132 appeal, up against useful rival Stellar Magic and Cheltenham third Mackelduff.
Saturday selections
ASCOT
12.40 NEXT LEFT
1.15 L'HOMME PRESSE
1.50 PALMERS HILL
2.25 THYME HILL
3.00 BELAMI DES PICTONS
3.35 NO ORDINARY JOE (NAP)
HAYDOCK
11.50 GREEN BOOK
12.20 FUGITIF (NB)
12.55 CURRENT MOOD
1.30 DESTINED TO SHINE
2.05 BOSS MAN FRED
2.40 REMASTERED
3.15 WELSH SAINT
LINGFIELD
11.40 DESERT LIME
12.15 BELACQUA
12.50 UNIQUE CUT
1.25 FIZZY FEET
2.00 REGAL REALITY
2.35 PIVOINE
3.10 BRASS CLANKERS
3.40 RESET BUTTON
NEWCASTLE
12.00 SOFT RISK
12.30 BRICKADANK
1.05 BAVINGTON BOB
1.40 DEFI SACRE
2.15 OFF THE HOOK
2.50 BURROWS DIAMOND
3.25 BOLTON
WOLVERHAMPTON
4.00 EESHA MEESH
4.30 DEPART A MINUIT
5.00 CRIMSON KING
5.30 PINK CRYSTAL
6.00 LIHOU
6.30 MANSFIELD
7.00 EAGLE'S REALM
NAVAN
11.30 DEPLOY THE GETAWAY
12.05 BELLE METAL
12.35 JOURNEY WITH ME
1.10 FUTURUM REGEM
1.45 ALL CLASS
2.20 FRONTAL ASSAULT
2.55 TIME AND TIMES
3.30 AMERICAN MIKE
