Big Buck's tops World Hurdle hopefuls

Defending champion Big Buck’s is one of 24 possibles for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 18 following the latest forfeit stage.

The Paul Nicholls-trained star is odds-on to land back-to-back victories after showing he is as good as ever with wins in the Long Distance Hurdle and Long Walk Hurdle this winter.

Tidal Bay, the 2008 Arkle hero, made a triumphant return to the smaller obstacles in the Cleeve Hurdle and could be the successor to Inglis Drever for the Graham Wylie/Howard Johnson team.

Other hopefuls include Alan King’s Karabak and Sentry Duty from the Nicky Henderson stable.

Pick of eight Irish possibles is the Mouse Morris-trained War Of Attrition, winner of the Gold Cup in 2006.

Among 11 horses taken out were Diamond Harry, who is to be aimed at the RSA Chase.