Big Buck’s rules supreme

Big Buck’s remains out on his own, so far ahead of his stayers’ hurdling opponents it is highly unlikely he will ever be beaten.

Paul Nicholls’ brilliant nine-year-old has earned his 174 rating in the Classifications for the fourth successive time.

National Hunt’s answer to Black Caviar last month took his winning streak to a record 17, since being returned to the smaller obstacles at the start of 2009. He has since won four World Hurdles at Cheltenham, and is 9lb clear of the nearest ’pursuer’ in his division.