Perfectly Willing will be looking to put his rivals to the sword in the Lord Ashton of Hyde’s Cup at the Heythrop Hunt meeting at Cocklebarrow, near Aldsworth, on Sunday (12 noon).

Tim Sage’s nine-year-old put up a terrific effort when beaten by Benedictus at Larkhill two weeks ago, and his front-running style makes him a leading player in this men’s open at the course situated off the A40 between Burford and Northleach.

Sir Du Bearn, a winner at Chaddesley Corbett for Peter Bryan, steps up in class, but rates a danger in the marathon three miles and seven furlong event – one of the sport’s four ‘classics’.

The quirky Golan Way, who fell at the Canal Turn first time round in last season’s Crabbie’s Grand National, represents high-class National Hunt form.

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However, he refused to race in his last two hunter chases and was well-beaten on his reappearance.

Moscow Blaze could bid to repeat last year’s impressive win in the ladies’ open for rider Page Fuller.

The nine-year-old romped home by 20 lengths then, but has yet to run to his best this season.

Oh Toodles went into the record books as the winner of the first race to be run over the course last season, and is another for the short list along with Tinelyra, who has been placed in two similar contests this term.

The meeting kicks off with the restricted, in which the Zara Phillips-trained Devils Boy, who was going well until falling at the fourth from home 12 months ago, could seek to make amends.

The members’ race provides a good opportunity for Be Definite, who is fancied to provide a first winner for Gus Levinson on only his second ride.

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