Eight runners have been declared for the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday

Trustan Times: Steps up in grade after winning at Haydock

Eight runners were declared for the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday with the injured Big Buck's the only absentee at the 48-hour final declaration stage.

A wide-open race for the three-mile-one-furlong Grade One is on the cards after the brilliant stayer, winner of this race for the last three years, was ruled out.

Paul Nicholls, the trainer of Big Buck's, could still take the honours with either Prospect Wells or Five Dream.

Nick Williams saddles Reve De Sivola, who stuck on well in the closing stages to finish second behind Big Buck's in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on his first run for almost a year.

Trustan Times is an interesting contender after defying top weight of 11st 12lb in the "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle at Haydock for North Yorkshire trainer Tim Easterby.

Alan King is represented by Smad Place while Nicky Henderson is double-handed with Master Of The Hall and Cucumber Run.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Kayf Aramis completes the field.