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Colin Tizzard is confident Thistlecrack can come out on top in the exciting renewal of the Long Distance Hurdle as he takes on classy Stayer's Hurdle hero Unowhatimeanharry at Newbury.
Last season's exciting King George winner is using the Grade Two as a prep run, before attempting to reclaim his Kempton crown on Boxing Day.
The five-time Grade One hero was last seen finishing a narrow loser to the late Many Clouds at Cheltenham in January, and expectations are rocket high for the season ahead on his return to hurdling.
"Thistlecrack has done plenty of work and is ready to run," said the Dorset-based trainer.
"He's bound to improve, but he has been on to go for some time now and we're very happy with him.
"He had a jump on the grass on Wednesday and he's ready to get started. There wouldn't be much between them, I wouldn't have thought.
"We couldn't go for the King George without a run, so he goes to Newbury and, all being well, he'll then head to Kempton."
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Unowhatimeanharry could make things a lot more difficult for Thistlecrack
Meanwhile confidence is just as high for a big run from Unowhatimeanharry, who is hoping to rubber stamp his place at the top over hurdles.
Harry Fry's star won four races from five starts, including two times at Grade One level and in this contest by six lengths.
Although the bookmakers make him out as second best to Thistlecrack, owner JP McManus is confident of a big run after a returning win at Aintree.
"He's been perfect," said McManus.
"That race came along just at the right time as we could get him away and help put the finishing touches on for this weekend. He's come out of that absolutely bouncing.
"We've got to give 6lb to Thistlecrack and a number of other horses in the race, but we go there full of confidence.
"Thistlecrack is a wonderful horse and we've enjoyed watching all his success. Now we meet him with our own stable star, so it's going to be a fascinating renewal of the race."
West Yorkshire Hurdle winner Colin's Sister renews her rivalry with Wholestone, who she beat by two lengths when the pair met last month.
Taquin De Seuil and Beer Goggles also take part in the three mile event.
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