Medinas returns to action at Sandown

The nine-year-old has not run since finishing fourth in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot back in December 2014, but had previously beaten subsequent World Hurdle winner Cole Harden in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

Medinas is saddled with top weight in this Grade Three affair, prompting his handler to employ the services of William Featherstone, who takes off a valuable 7lb.

King said: " It's great to have the old boy back, but he has not run since the Long Walk Hurdle 14 months ago so I am sure he will need the run. He is off 150 and there are not many places we can go with him.

"He is in great form at home and we are bringing him back to see if he still has it. If he didn't like it, I might look at retiring him."

Medinas is one of 11 set to go to post, with Lanzarote Hurdle winner Yala Enki set to clash again with the third-placed Ibis Du Rheu and fifth Little Boy Boru.

Aidan Coleman takes over from Charlie Deutsch on Venetia Williams' Yala Enki and told Racing UK: "It was a good win last time, where he stole a few lengths at the start. He went into that unexposed as a novice, so it didn't come as a surprise.

"The more rain the better for him, there is some forecast, not that he needs it but we know he handles it well. He's straightforward, has slightly more weight to carry but I wouldn't swap him."

Nicky Richards has been impressed by the exploits of Baywing, who has won all his four starts so far this season and now takes a step up in class.

While the Greystoke trainer expects the handicapper to eventually catch up with the seven-year-old. he has his fingers crossed Baywing can notch a five-timer.

"He's been out of this world, really," said Richards.

"He's just progressed from race to race. It's the wonder of this game when you get a horse like that. I'm lucky to have him.

"He's won four. No doubt the handicapper is going to stop him at some stage

"He's in good order and he will love the ground, so we'll give it a go."