One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch this Saturday

Trainer

Despite the blow of losing Howden Long Walk Hurdle (2.25) favourite Buzz to a suspected fractured pelvis on Friday morning, Nicky Henderson still brings a strong team to the pre-Christmas meeting at Ascot.

With the Cesarewitch and Coral Hurdle winner ruled out, high-class chaser Champ, who has not been seen since running no race at all in last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup, and the consistent On The Blind Side ensure that Henderson retains two live chances for Saturday's feature.

The Seven Barrows trainer also saddles a leading hope in the Grade 3 Betfair Exchange Trophy (3.35) in No Ordinary Joe, who reopposes his Greatwood Hurdle conqueror West Cork.

Caribean Boy also has a chance in the Listed Silver Cup (3.00) on what could be an informative day for Henderson at the Berkshire track.

Jockey

Fergus Gregory has already enjoyed a memorable season having ridden out his claim and it could be set to get even better for him with a potential strike in the big race of the day, the Long Walk Hurdle (2.25).

The Norfolk-born jockey, who is based with Olly Murphy, picks up the plum spare ride aboard Thomas Darby – an impressive winner of the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last time – in the Grade 1.

Thomas Darby: a big-race mount for Fergus GregoryCredit: Edward Whitaker

It would be a breakthrough top-level success for Gregory, but equally would represent bad luck for weighing-room counterpart Sean Bowen, who misses the ride having suffered a nasty schooling fall this week.

Horse

Saturday is a big day in the career of popular stayer Paisley Park as he bids to defend his Long Walk Hurdle title (2.25).

A dual winner of the race, the nine-year-old has not shown his usual sparkle in two starts this term, including when a tired third in first-time cheekpieces in the Long Distance Hurdle last month.

Plenty were quick to suggest that the Emma Lavelle-trained star was on a downward spiral, but he gets another crack at the top level under new rider Tom Bellamy, with regular jockey Aidan Coleman suspended.

Race

Understandably, the big race of the day – the Howden Long Walk Hurdle (2.25) – is the one you cannot keep your eyes off as Britain's best staying hurdlers meet in a potential thriller.

Thyme Hill (left) and Paisley Park (right): clash in the Long Walk Hurdle againCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

A wide-open betting heat, particularly so after the withdrawal of Buzz, features last year's narrow second Thyme Hill, dual winner Paisley Park, 2020 Stayers' Hurdle winner Lisnagar Oscar, Champ and Thomas Darby, who all hold claims to land the Grade 1.

The Irish are not without a strong hope either in the shape of the ultra-consistent Ronald Pump, who chased home Honeysuckle when second in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle last time, in a contest that is certain to have significant ramifications for the Stayers' Hurdle.

Read more:

'He pulled up and then bang' – Buzz out of Long Walk after fracturing pelvis

Paul Nicholls: Pipe showed me the way – and he sent me the most wonderful letter

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