Long Walk: trainer insight on Thyme Hill, Paisley Park, Ronald Pump and more

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

Richard Johnson wore the expression of a man who felt a Grade 1 had got away from him after Paisley Park's trademark finishing kick saw Thyme Hill narrowly denied late on in this race last year.

The recently retired four-time champion jockey could not hide his emotions and described the finish as "hugely frustrating", later suggesting the dual Grade 1 winner had possibly idled after hitting the front earlier than ideal.

It has not been an ideal start to the season for either of last year's 1-2 in this race, but the unfortunate absence of Buzz has opened the door for either one to get back on track here at the highest level.

Thyme Hill (right) comes away from the final flight ahead of Paisley Park (left) in last year's Long Distance Hurdle at NewburyCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Philip Hobbs is optimistic the return to better ground for Thyme Hill will help revive the seven-year-old's fortunes, having failed to fire on testing ground in the Grade 1 Grand Prix d'Automne at Auteuil last month.

"Buzz looked the biggest danger to us, so hopefully him not being in the race increases our chances," said Hobbs, seeking a first win in the race.

"The only minus on his chances is that he ran moderately in France last time, but we've put that down to the ground, which was very holding."

Thyme Hill is now 6-1 second favourite behind Klassical Dream for the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle in March and Hobbs said: "He ran well in the Long Walk last year in testing ground, but the better surface this time around should be fine for him as well."

Paisley Park 'in great shape'

Paisley Park will bid to join Big Buck's and Reve De Sivola as three-time winners of the Long Walk Hurdle if managing to retain his crown just a few weeks before turning ten.

His thrilling success over Thyme Hill in last year's race is the only time he has managed to get the better of his younger contender in three clashes they have had.

Trainer Emma Lavelle believes the application of first-time cheekpieces may not have had the ideal impact when beaten almost 11 lengths in third by Thomas Darby in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, removing that headgear now in favour of a tongue-tie.

Saturday's test will also be the first time Tom Bellamy has partnered the 2019 Stayers' Hurdle hero, deputising for Aidan Coleman, who was given a seven-day suspension for overuse of the whip on Snow Leopardess in the Becher Chase.

Lavelle said: "We know this is going to be very competitive but he's been brilliant here before. If he could pull off a third [win] it would be fantastic. He's in great shape.

"The cheekpieces seemed to lead to him hitting his flat spot later than usual last time. It looked as though he only hit that flat spot at the back of the second-last and that was a bit late; it didn't leave much time for recovery.

"The tongue-tie hasn't had any negative impact on him in his work and at home. We felt that anything we can do to help him is worth trying. He shows all the signs at home that he's as good as ever, so hopefully he can translate that to the track."

Ronald Pump is primed

Could this finally be the day for Ronald Pump to make the breakthrough at the highest level?

No horse has finished closer to Honeysuckle than the Matthew Smith-trained eight-year-old did in 2020, and arrives here after a creditable second in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle last month.

It was his fourth time to finish second in Grade 1 company, having filled the runner-up spot in the same race last year and memorably lacked luck in running when second to Lisnagar Oscar in the 2020 Stayers' Hurdle.

"We were delighted with his run at Fairyhouse and if he could reproduce the same sort of performance it would be fantastic," said Smith.

Ronald Pump (right): runner-up in the 2020 Stayers' HurdleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"Keith [Donoghue] had been feeling that he was taking a little while to get going in his races, so we tried the blinkers in the Hatton's Grace and they definitely didn't do him any harm.

"I don't think the ground is going to be any inconvenience. We're going there hopeful while still knowing how good a race this is – it's very competitive."

Murphy banking on Darby delivering 'A' game

Thomas Darby showed just how capable he is when turning up on top form last time in landing the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

Trainer Olly Murphy is banking on his 155-rated performer returning in the same form again, while admitting he'd have preferred more time since that success three weeks ago.

"He's in good form and you have to take him racing with an open view because he either turns up or he doesn't," said Murphy.

"When he does he can be competitive in any type of race, but then there'll be days he doesn't turn up and he'll just be average.

"He's going there with plenty of confidence and I'll be interested to see whether he can back up his Newbury run with it being only his second start in a tongue-tie.

"I'd have loved another week but it's a Grade 1 and there aren't many of these a year, let alone ones you can go be hopeful of being competitive in."

What they say

Rebecca Curtis, trainer of Lisnagar Oscar
It might have looked like he ran badly at Newbury last time, but he lost a shoe and cut into his heel quite badly. He was sore afterwards, so we're drawing a line through the run. It's a tough race but he's in great form and hopefully Ascot should suit. It's his first time at the track and actually his first start going right-handed. It's purely a coincidence that he's never gone that way before.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of On The Blind Side and Champ
He doesn't know how to run a bad race; he's toughed it out with all these good stayers in the last few years. He ran a fantastic race at Newbury and he'll be up there fighting away. Champ is in good form and we're happy with his work, and I do think he'll run well. We've had issues, but he's back and, touch wood, his jumping, which went awry in the Gold Cup is mended, we think. The plan would be to go back over fences, but if he proves to be a Stayers' Hurdle horse then who knows? It'll be interesting to see where he fits in.

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Third Wind
We'd appreciate any rain. There are so few options for horses of his quality in the calendar and if we didn't run now we'd probably have to wait until February, unless we wanted to run him in a handicap.

Saturday's race previews:

1.50 Ascot: has the handicapper given 'frustrating' Palmers Hill a winning chance?

2.05 Haydock: 'I don't know how good he is' – Oliver Sherwood in the dark over Little Awkward

2.40 Haydock: 'Unfortunate' Ladbrokes Trophy faller Remastered gets shot at redemption

3.00 Ascot: 'He comes alive here' – veteran Regal Encore back for more at favourite track

3.35 Ascot: 'He's got a real chance' – analysis and key quotes for valuable handicap hurdle

Navan: Champion Bumper favourite American Mike bids to join illustrious roll of honour

FESTIVE OFFER: Racing Post Members' Club 50% off for three months!

'Tis the season to be jolly, and the perfect time to celebrate with a subscription to Racing Post Members' Club!

Featuring award-winning journalism, expert tips and renowned form study tools, this is the only racing subscription you need to stay ahead of the field.

Throughout the festive season you can get 50% off your first THREE months of Members' Club Ultimate. That's just £17.48 per month* to unlock all premium features.

Head to the offer page here to find out more!

*T&Cs apply