Connections of Reve De Sivola are hopeful the seven-year-old can build on his promising comeback run behind Big Buck's when he lines up in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.
The Nick Williams-trained gelding stayed on well to take second spot when beaten nine lengths by the four-time World Hurdle hero in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury three weeks ago.
It was an encouraging performance by Reve de Sivola as he had been sidelined with a tendon injury since finishing third in the Silver Cup Handicap Chase at this meeting 12 months ago.
With Big Buck's out of this weekend's Grade One and the rest of the season with injury, the way is clear for others to set down a marker in the staying hurdle division.
"We're hopeful. He ran a good race and if he can do the same he should be thereabouts. It's wide open now but no-one likes to win a race when a horse like Big Buck's is injured. It's sad for racing and sad for Ascot, but there are a few horses who've got a similar sort of chance and Reve De Sivola is in the mix," said owner Paul Duffy.
"He was pretty fit when he ran first time, but hopefully he can come on for it. He has come back from a tendon injury so we have to make sure we look after him."
With regular partner Daryl Jacob serving a suspension, Richard Johnson takes the ride.
"When I had horses with Richard Phillips he rode for me there. He's a strong jockey and good in a finish. We would have liked to have had Daryl. He knows the horse and he's his ride. We had various options and Nick (Williams) and I agreed on Richard Johnson. Hopefully they will be a good combination," said Duffy.
Trustan Times takes a big step up in class after defying top weight in admirable fashion in the 'Fixed Brush' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock. Dougie Costello, who rides the Tim Easterby-trained six-year-old, said: "He has been a solid horse for the last two seasons and he has grown up and matured a lot this year.
"He was very impressive at Haydock and he seems to take his races better than last year. His best run last year was his first run. He is stepping up in company now so he has to prove himself. You'd like to think he'd be in the first three whichever way he goes."
13 May 2013
Fabre confirms Ocovango for EpsomAspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout
12 May 2013
No hurry for Jammy plansGuest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning
11 May 2013
Felix foot-perfect on fencing debutCavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory
10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests