Start Royal may have missed out on the champion young horse title – but he could bid to end his season on a high note at the Berks & Bucks Draghounds Hunt meeting at Kingston Blount, near Chinnor, on Sunday.

With the standings finalised last weekend before tonight’s Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association awards at Stratford, Aston Rowant trainer Alan Hill’s seven-year-old finished runner-up to the prolific Findlay’s Find, the winner of seven of his 11 starts.

Start Royal has won five times this term, and he could attempt to make it six of the best in the men’s open in which Hill has the option of also running course specialist More Trouble.

The contest has attracted a high-quality entry with Enter Paradise, who has won his last three starts, Ned The Post and Valance potential rivals.

Caught In Time, who is also on a four-timer, is another who could line-up although the eight-year-old, trained by Karen Lawther at Great Missenden, near Wendover, would have an easier task in the members’ race.

With regular rider Phil York chasing the national men’s title – four behind leader Richard Burton before the weekend – that may prove the more tempting option.

Hill could be double-handed in the ladies’ open with Balladeer, a winner of his last two starts under Emily Harbour, and Ocean Du Moulin, who has been in good form for the trainer’s daughter, Gaby, this season.

Last year’s winner, Dr Cerullo, who scored at Flete Park in Devon last time out, Lucky Nellerie and Briery Star, the area’s leading mare, and Delightful Cliche, who has won twice this term under leading ladies’ rider Gina Andrews, are also entered.

The first of six races is at 2.30.