Big Buck’s appears to face a straightforward task as he goes in search of a 15th straight victory in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old, owned by Andy Stewart, appears better than ever this season and, barring accidents, it seems his 10 possible rivals face a near-impossible task.
Stablemate Five Dream has chased him home at both Newbury and Ascot and is likely to renew rivalry. Nicholls could also run Oscargo.
Willie Mullins’ Mourad was third behind Big Buck’s in the World Hurdle last March and could give him most to do this weekend.
Dynaste, trained by David Pipe, paid the price for trying to beat Big Buck’s in the Long Walk, and eventually faded into fourth but will have another crack this weekend.
Restless Harry has not repeated the heroics of his Wetherby win first time out either over fences or hurdles while Martin Keighley’s novice Hard To Swallow is an interesting entry.
Kayf Aramis, Cross Kennon, Whatuthink and Across The Bay complete the 11 entries.
PA AAP TURF
