Big Buck’s has nothing to fear from Cleeve rivals
The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old, owned by Andy Stewart, appears better than ever this season and, barring accidents, it seems his 10 possible rivals face a near-impossible task.
Stablemate Five Dream has chased him home at both Newbury and Ascot and is likely to renew rivalry. Nicholls could also run Oscargo.
Willie Mullins’ Mourad was third behind Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle last March and could give him most to do this weekend.
Dynaste, trained by David Pipe, paid the price for trying to beat Big Buck’s in the Long Walk, and eventually faded into fourth, but will have another crack this weekend.
Restless Harry has not repeated the heroics of his Wetherby win first time out, either over fences or hurdles, while Martin Keighley’s novice Hard To Swallow is an interesting entry.
Kayf Aramis, Cross Kennon, Whatuthink and Across The Bay complete the 11 entries.
Meanwhile, Grands Crus will have his Gold Cup claims tested to the limit in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.
David Pipe’s novice has the blue riband event on his agenda if he successfully comes through the trial against more experienced horses in the Cotswolds.
Last season’s Arkle winner Captain Chris will be looking to get back to winning ways after his fine run in the King George at Kempton, where he finished third after an interrupted preparation.
Diamond Harry was injured in his box before the Charlie Hall, which meant he could not run at Wetherby, after which he was fourth in the Betfair Chase in November. A late setback then ruled him out of the King George. Trainer Nick Williams will be hoping he at least gets to run this weekend.
Mark Bradstock’s Hennessy winner Carruthers is looking to bounce back from a poor run in the Welsh National, while Time For Rupert got his season back on track when victorious at Newbury last time.
Paul Nicholls has two entries, The Minack and Tidal Bay, with Nicky Henderson set to be represented by Master Of The Hall.
Knockara Beau, Any Currency, Midnight Chase, Little Josh and The Sawyer complete the 13 entries.
Sprinter Sacre, ante-post favourite for the Arkle Trophy, is among 15 entries for the Sky Bet Mobile Lightning Novices’ Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.
Nicky Henderson’s charge, who also has the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on February 11 as an option, trounced Mick Easterby’s Lightening Rod, a possible rival again, by 24 lengths on his chasing debut over this extended two miles in early December and then slammed Peddlers Cross by 16 lengths at Kempton over Christmas.
Henderson has also put recent Ludlow winner Kid Cassidy in this Grade Two contest, while Peddlers Cross’ trainer Donald McCain may look to Musselburgh scorer Charminster for revenge.
Philip Hobbs has given Menorah an entry.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has two possibles in Pacha Du Polder and Escort’men.
Other entries include Alan King’s Kumbeshwar, the Evan Williams-trained Lancetto and Emma Lavelle’s Easter Meteor.
Knight Pass may step up in class for Saturday’s Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Warren Greatrex’s charge holds an entry in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) at Huntingdon on Friday but is unlikely to take up that option.
Willie Mullins has interestingly entered Aupcharlie, third in the Champion Bumper in March.
Champion Bumper runner-up Destroyer Deployed, could aim to go one better than on his hurdling debut at Newbury on New Year’s Eve.
Nicky Henderson’s Broadbackbob has been impressive over timber to date, while smart Flat performer Hawk Mountain, the Alan King-trained Secret Edge and Donald McCain’s Super Duty are others to note.
