Perfectly Willing will be looking to put his rivals to the sword in the Lord Ashton of Hyde’s Cup at the Heythrop Hunt meeting at Cocklebarrow, near Aldsworth, on Sunday (12 noon).

Tim Sage’s nine-year-old gelding ran a tremendous race when beaten by Benedictus at Larkhill two weeks ago, and his front-running style of racing can be rewarded in this men’s open at the course situated off the A40 between Burford and Northleach.

Sir Du Bearn, a winner at Chaddesley Corbett for Peter Bryan, steps up in class, but rates a danger in the marathon three miles and seven furlong event.

The quirky Golan Way, who fell at the Canal Turn first time round in last season’s Crabbie’s Grand National, represents high-class National Hunt form However, he refused to race in his last two hunter chases and was well-beaten on his reappearance.

Ice Cool Benny won three times last year, but also has a mind of his own, while De Forgotten Man netted two men’s opens last year, but has disappointed since.

James Henderson has two interesting entries in the improving Say No plus Thanks For Coming, who won a novices’ chase at Newbury for Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson in March.

Moscow Blaze could bid to repeat last year’s impressive win in the ladies’ open for rider Page Fuller.

The nine-year-old romped home by 20 lengths then, but has yet to run to his best this season.

Oh Toodles went into the record books as the winner of the first race to be run over the course last season, and is another for the short list along with Tinelyra, who has been placed in two similar contests this term.

Ballyjames and Ben’s Folly are others who cannot be ruled out.

The meeting kicks off with the restricted, in which the Zara Phillips-trained Devils Boy, who was going well until falling at the fourth from home 12 months ago, could seek to make amends.

Gift Of Dreams could go close for Adelstrop trainer-rider Claire Hart, while Now Ben is sure to have benefitted from the experience gained at Chaddesley Corbett.

The members’ race provides a good opportunity for Be Definite, who is fancied to provide a first winner for Pony Racing graduate Gus Levinson on only his second ride.

Meeting secretary Chris Marriott, from Chipping Norton, will be keen to win with Dabinett Moon, who shaped well on his racecourse debut.

Himalayan Express and Moorland Sunset bring with them plenty of experience, while Icthec (pronounced “I see the sea”) is two out of two so far this season.