Big guns return for World Hurdle

Inglis Drever and last year’s runner-up Kasbah Bliss head a total of 36 entries for the World Hurdle.

Howard Johnson’s stayer became the first horse to claim three victories in the Grade One affair at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival.

However, Inglis Drever is far from certain to bid for a four-timer as he is currently continuing his recovery from a hock injury sustained at Newbury in November.

Last year’s third and fourth finishers, Kazal and Blazing Bailey, are also in the frame for another crack at the stayers crown, along with Nicky Henderson’s hot favourite Punchestowns.

Eoin Griffin is planning to give Kazal a spin at Gowran next week and could head straight to Cheltenham if all goes to plan.

“The Ladbrokes World Hurdle is on the agenda for Kazal at the moment,” he said. "He’s in good form and we have been happy with his preparation for the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park next week, in which he came third last year.

“His run in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (on November 30) was disappointing and so we decided to give the Christmas races a skip.”