The Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old was third behind stable-mate, the admirable veteran Sire Du Berlais, in the Grade One feature of the third day at Prestbury Park last year.
And although last year's winner is now a 12-year-old, he has already shown over the past couple of seasons at Cheltenham and the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse that he can still win on the biggest days. But surely his younger stable-mate is set to improve past him and triumph in the three-mile contest.
Teahupoo has not won at the top level over three miles - he did score at Grade Two at Gowran Park last January as he was fourth in the Punchestown Stayers' Hurdle following last year's Cheltenham third.
But on his one run this season he did land a first Grade One victory in the extended 2m4f Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December and if he can transfer that form to this longer distance he looks the one to beat.
Former winners Sire Du Berlais and Paisley Park could both make the frame, while Fergal O'Brien's Long Walk Hurdle hero Crambo should also be in the mix.
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