'Big' duo in fine shape after wins

Paul Nicholls reports his two “Big” winners from yesterday, Big Buck’s and Big Fella Thanks, to be in fine shape following their exertions.

Big Buck’s captured the scalp of Punchestowns in the Byrne Group Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham while Big Fella Thanks lost his maiden tag over fences in the valuable Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster.

Both are likely to have their next outings at the Cheltenham Festival, with Big Buck’s going for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and Big Fella Thanks a contender for the National Hunt Chase.

“Big Buck’s is A1 and he goes next for the World Hurdle. It’s worked out well putting him over hurdles,” said the Ditcheat trainer.

“Big Fella Thanks did it nicely for his first win over fences. It’s highly-likely he’ll go to Cheltenham for the four-miler. Both horses are OK.”