Pipe in Crus control for Cheltenham

David Pipe reports Grands Crus’ preparation to be going according to plan ahead of the grey’s bid to wrest the Ladbrokes World Hurdle from Big Buck’s.

Grands Crus is 9-4 second-favourite for the three-mile showpiece on day three of the Cheltenham Festival (March 17) behind the Paul Nicholls-trained title-holder, who is seeking to lift the race for the third year running and stretch his winning sequence over the smaller obstacles to 11.