Dual Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace heads a smart field of eight as he bids for back-to-back victories in the Coral Ascot Hurdle at the Berkshire venue tomorrow.
The Irish star, trained by Dessie Hughes, had a prep run on the Flat at the Curragh a month ago.
The 10-year-old faces a tough task as he takes on Wichita Lineman, himself a winner at last season's Cheltenham Festival.
Afsoun, who finished one place ahead of Hardy Eustace in this year's Champion Hurdle when third, represents Nicky Henderson.
Detroit City, who was only sixth that day, is out to redeem his reputation.
There is a second Irish runner in Charlie Swan's Cloone River while a top-quality line-up is completed by David Pipe's Lough Derg, John Quinn's Kings Quay and Overstrand.
