Nigel Twiston-Davies stokes fires ahead of showpiece National Hunt opener between Bristol De Mai and Lostintranslation at Haydock

The Simon Munir and Isaac Souede-owned eight-year-old will attempt to make a winning seasonal return in Saturday’s Grade One – as he did 12 months ago – and move one victory behind Kauto Star’s record of four triumphs in the race.

Although Bristol De Mai failed to figure prominently in a Grade One at Aintree on his final start last term, having previously finished third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Twiston-Davies reports the grey in good shape for his return.

And this is the chaser’s favourite track – he is unbeaten in four starts at the flat, left-handed track, including a 57-length demolition of Cue Card and other proven performers in the 2017 renewal.

“Everything has gone well with his preparation, and he seems to be as forward as ever for his seasonal return,” said Twiston-Davies. “They have all got him to beat. It was a good run in the Gold Cup, and it looked like he was going to win at the bottom of the hill. We just don’t know (this weekend), because there (are) talking horses in there, so we can’t say if it is better or stronger than before.”

Chief rival Lostinstranslation, who will bid to give trainer Colin Tizzard a fourth victory in the race, has the benefit of a run after making a winning return at Carlisle – but Twiston-Davies feels he still has plenty to prove.

He added: “Talk is easy, but he has got to prove it. That was two- and-a-half miles around Carlisle, and we have the horse (Count Meribel) that was second to him, beaten two and a quarter lengths. We hope that Bristol would be better than him.”

Looking beyond the weekend, Twiston-Davies may give Bristol De Mai the chance to make it third time lucky in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

He added: “Assuming it all goes well, it will be exactly the same as last season. If he wins this nicely, you have got to think about the King George and the £1m (bonus). Without the £1m, you probably wouldn’t go.”

Bristol De Mai is likely to be joined at Haydock by stablemate Ballyoptic, who took his form over fences to new heights with victory in the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

The stayer was one of six confirmations published on Monday – including two-mile champion Altior, who is also in contention to head instead for the Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot on Saturday and an eagerly-awaited clash with the Paul Nicholls-trained Cyrname.

Twiston-Davies said of Ballyoptic: “There are very few races he can go for. He will cope with the soft ground, so why not go for the place money? Anything could happen, and something could fall over, but you wouldn’t think he could beat Bristol De Mai.”

Meanwhile, clerk of course Kirkland Tellwright expects going to be “no slower than soft” by Saturday. He added: “The forecast is much more cheerful than was the case.”