Star duo look poised for World showdown
The Paul Nicholls-trained Big Buck’s is unbeaten in his last 10 starts, taking in two World Hurdle titles along the way, and is a hot favourite to become the first horse in history to win three in a row.
David Pipe’s Grands Crus is the young pretender to his throne, having annihilated the field in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on his latest appearance.
Willie Mullins has a strong hand with the likes of Mourad, Mikael D’Haguenet, Quevega and Fiveforthree still in the reckoning.
Other interesting possibles include the Nicky Henderson trio of Oscar Whisky, Punchestowns and Zaynar – although all have alternative options.
Solwhit could line up for Charles Byrnes and has been taken out of the Champion Hurdle.
Ante-post favourite Poquelin features among 32 remaining entries for the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old has won four times at Prestbury Park and was beaten into second when favourite for this Grade One event last season.
His conqueror, Albertas Run, remains in the mix to repeat the dose, as does the talented Somersby, although trainer Henrietta Knight has indicated the Champion Chase is his preferred target.
Paddy Power bet: 4-1 Poquelin, 6-1 Tranquil Sea, 8-1 Kalahari King, 10-1 Albertas Run, Golden Silver, Riverside Theatre, 12-1 J’y Vole, 16-1 Captain Cee Bee, The Nightingale, 20-1 Bar.
