HOLLIE DOYLE will be reunited with Trueshan in Saturday’s Long Distance Cup.
The pocket rocket missed the win on Alan King’s star stayer in France last time as she served a week long ban.
But the pair will be back together to defend their crown at Ascot as they hope to get one over old rival Stradivarius again.
King said: “James Doyle was a brilliant stand-in but he’s Hollie’s ride and she’ll be back on, barring any mishaps.
“I know I’ve pulled him out a couple of times because of the going but that was good to firm and I can’t see that being the case this weekend.
“There’s no rain forecast but at this time of year it shouldn’t change much from what it is now at good, with a bit of soft there.
“The short gap between France and here has me concerned a little but there’s not much we can do about that! But it’ll be his last race of the season anyway so we can roll the dice.
“We’re used to going from Cheltenham to Aintree in two weeks. I would have preferred another week but I haven’t got that!”
Trueshan, the 6-4 favourite for the Group 2, flew into the big time with a win under Doyle in this race last autumn and has since won the Goodwood Cup and Cadran in France.
King added: “I was a bit worried about the extra half mile in France last time but he settled very well and saw it out no problem, he was probably better there than at Goodwood. He’s a class act.”
Stradivarius could well bow out on a high if he takes victory back at his favourite track.
Owner Bjorn Nielsen has hinted retirement could be on the cards for the three-time Ascot Gold Cup winner.
William Haggas will run both Hamish – owned by his old man – and Roberto Escobarr, a 25-1 outsider.
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