Confirmed runners and riders for the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday

Buzz will attempt to continue his rapid rise through the ranks when he bids for a first top-level success in the Long Walk Hurdle (2.25) at Ascot on Saturday, leading a two-strong attack for Nicky Henderson in the final field of nine that includes high-class chaser Champ.

The Thurloe For Royal Marsden Cancer Charity-owned grey ended last season when second in the Aintree Hurdle at the Grand National meeting, and proved himself to be one of the top dual-purpose performers in training when winning the Cesarewitch on the Flat at Newmarket in October.

The seven-year-old made an impressive return over the jumps when he landed the Ascot Hurdle at the Berkshire track last month, but steps up to three miles for the first time at the weekend when he bids to cement his status as Britain's leading Stayers' Hurdle hope.

2.25 Ascot: Howden Long Walk Hurdle racecard and betting

Buzz is the general 6-1 second favourite for that race and he will face off against 2019 Stayers' Hurdle hero and two-time Long Walk winner Paisley Park, who will be ridden by Tom Bellamy for the first time with regular partner Aidan Coleman banned.

Henderson will also rely on Champ, who makes his belated seasonal return under Jonjo O'Neill Jr and a first start over hurdles since winning the Sefton Novices' Hurdle in April 2019.

He endured a nightmare campaign over fences last season that saw him pull up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Thyme Hill (left) and Paisley Park (right) clash again in the Long WalkCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Multiple Grade 1 winner Thyme Hill will bid for revenge following his agonising defeat to Paisley Park in last year's running, while the top-class Ronald Pump – last seen chasing home Honeysuckle in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle – and Thomas Darby are also involved.

The Olly Murphy-trained eight-year-old will be a notable big-race ride for Fergus Gregory, who replaces Sean Bowen on the Long Distance Hurdle winner after he suffered a schooling fall on Wednesday.

A field of 14 will contest the Betfair Exchange Trophy (3.35), which features the high-class Goshen, Greatwood Hurdle winner West Cork and Grade 1-winning novice hurdler Metier.

Goshen, who steps into handicap company for the first time over jumps, heads the weights off 11st 12lb, while the field also includes classy juvenile hurdler Tritonic, Greatwood Hurdle third No Ordinary Joe and the progressive Onemorefortheroad – an easy winner of the Gerry Fielden Hurdle last time.

Long Walk Hurdle runners and riders

BuzzNico de Boinville
ChampJonjo O'Neill Jr
Lisnagar OscarAdam Wedge
On The Blind SideJames Bowen
Paisley ParkTom Bellamy
Ronald PumpKeith Donoghue
Third WindCharlie Deutsch
Thomas DarbyFergus Gregory
Thyme HillTom O'Brien

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