Stable companions Apple's Shakira and We Have A Dream belatedly lock horns in the Doom Bar Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree on Thursday.
Nicky Henderson's duo were set to line up in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but We Have A Dream was withdrawn after a late setback.
His absence meant Apple's Shakira was a red-hot favourite for the juvenile championship, but she could only finish fourth.
Speaking in his Unibet blog, the trainer said: "She pulled way too hard in the Triumph, so we're putting a hood on her in the hope it will settle her down a bit.
"We have always thought an awful lot of her and I'd be hopeful of a better showing here."
Of We Have A Dream, he added: "We were forced to miss Cheltenham due to a temperature, which was a big blow as I quite liked his credentials going into the Triumph.
"He's in fine order now and we come here a fresh horse having not run since Musselburgh in February.
"He's unbeaten for us and I really fancy his chances here."
The first of four Grade Ones on the opening afternoon of the Randox Health Grand National Festival is the Big Buck's Celebration Manifesto Novices' Chase.
Henderson also saddles the likely favourite in Brain Power, who was last seen chasing home Footpad in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham.
Henderson added: "We are putting a tongue-tie on for the first time, which will hopefully help him on ground which he will absolutely hate.
"He is a very classy horse and his work has been fine since Cheltenham."
Paul Nicholls steps Cyrname back up to the highest level following a Grade Two success in the Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton in February.
Nicholls told Betfair: "He's a really smart horse and I think the track will suit him.
"As long as the ground is on the soft side I think he's got a really nice chance."
The Ditcheat handler also saddles Modus, who could only finish eighth in the JLT Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
The Colin Tizzard-trained Finian's Oscar was fifth in the JLT and connections are hopeful he can do better at Aintree.
Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father, told At The Races: "We're happy with his jumping and keen for him to take his chance."
Dan Skelton's hat-trick-seeking mare Rene's Girl and Henry de Bromhead's Calino D'Airy complete the line-up.
