A top-class race is in prospect for the Grade One Mitsubishi Shogun Trophy at Sandown today with 10 leading two-mile chasers set to go to post.
Edredon Bleu looks sure to start favourite after his impressive display in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon last time, and Lake Kariba, representing the in-form Paul Nicholls, will have plenty of supporters.
But both rising stars may have to give best to Irish raider Hill Society.
Noel Meade's six-year-old showed good form in his novice season and put up his best performance to be beaten a whisker by Champleve in the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.
The gelding has returned as good as ever this term, with two wins and a second from three starts.
Hill Society faced a straightforward task when successful in a minor event at Punchestown on his reappearance.
He then showed improved form to finish an eight-length second to leading Gold Cup hope Dorans Pride over two and a half miles at Gowran Park - Meade believes Hill Society did not stay - before returning to two miles to defeat Klairon Davis by 14 lengths at Cork when in receipt of 7lb.
With Lake Kariba and Edredon Bleu likely to set a furious gallop at Sandown the race could be set up for Hill Society who is made the selection to win this £35,000 prize.
Christy Roche's lightlyweighted Khairabar can complete a big-race double for Ireland in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
Useful on the Flat for John Oxx, the grey has taken well to hurdles and ran an encouraging race when a two-length runner-up to Sunset Lodge at Cork last month prior to a slightly below-par effort at Fairyhouse last time.
If running up to his best Khairabar looks well in on 10st and can provide the Irish with their second consecutive win in this contest following Major Jamie's 25-1 surprise last year.
Monis appeals as the best bet of the day in the A G Manly 50th Anniversary Novices' Handicap Hurdle.
Escartefigue looks a good bet to stake his Pertemps King George VI Chase claims in the Coral Rehearsal Chase at Chepstow and course specialist Cumbrian Challenge can register his ninth victory at Wetherby in the `Emmerdale' Handicap Chase.
