Colin Tizzard is confident Thistlecrack is fit enough to do himself justice on his eagerly-anticipated return to action in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Friday.
It is two years since the imposing gelding kicked off an unbeaten campaign in this Grade Two event, going on to win the Long Walk at Ascot, the World Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree to confirm himself the undoubted star of the staying hurdle division.
He had his attentions turned to fences last season, winning four of his five races including a stunning victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, but he has been sidelined by injury since being beaten by the ill-fated Many Clouds at Cheltenham in January.
Tizzard said: "Thistlecrack has done plenty of work and is ready to run. 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."
The Dorset handler is under no illusions about the task facing his charge, with Harry Fry's defending champion Unowhatimeanharry in opposition.
Unowhatimeanharry has already had a run this autumn, winning at Aintree, but does have to concede 6lb to Tizzard's returning star, who is gearing up to defend his King George crown.
"There wouldn't be much between them, I wouldn't have thought," the trainer added.
"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."
The JP McManus-owned Unowhatimeanharry has won 10 of his 11 starts since joining Fry, suffering his only defeat when third in last season's Stayers' Hurdle.
The nine-year-old gained revenge on his Cheltenham conqueror Nichols Canyon at Punchestown in April and Fry has been thrilled with his charge since his comeback victory on Merseyside.
He told At The Races: " He's been perfect (since Aintree). 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."
Wholestone, representing the in-form Nigel Twiston-Davies, was runner-up to Fergal O'Brien's classy mare Colin's Sister on his last start at Wetherby and both horses add further strength in depth to the three-mile contest.
Anthony Bromley, racing manager for Wholestone's owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, said: " Friday's race looks a Grade One in all but name. Even with the rise (for finishing second at Wetherby), Wholestone is still 15lb off Thistlecrack's rating and we have got to give him 3lb.
"I thought Unowhatimeanharry looked good at Aintree the other day when he beat Top Notch, and we have got form to turn around with Colin's Sister.
"It looks a tough engagement for Wholestone but it is the only one we can do, other than waiting for level weights in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot next month."
The Jonjo O'Neill-trained Taquin Du Seuil and Beer Goggles from Richard Woollacott's yard complete the six-strong line-up.
