With no Buzz, Thyme Hill is now in the Long Walk spotlight says Keith Melrose

ASCOT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Aidan Coleman riding Paisley Park (R, spotted cap) clear the last to win The Porsche Long Walk Hurdle from Richard Johnson and Thyme Hill (L, white cap) at Ascot Racecourse on December 19, 2020 in Ascot, England. Owners are a

Thyme Hill (left) was caught on the line by Paisley Park (right) last yearCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Saturday: 2.25 Ascot
Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) | 3m½f | 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Part of the excitement over Buzz, who has been ruled out of the Long Walk Hurdle with a season-ending injury, was that he might have been the champion the staying hurdle division needs.

With due respect, he was never quite the last hope as it had been painted in some quarters. Klassical Dream is brilliant, just mercurial and rarely seen, while Flooring Porter is no paper champion.

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Published on 17 December 2021inPreviews

Last updated 19:19, 17 December 2021

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