BIG BUCK’S looks ready to emulate Inglis Dever and claim a third victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3.20pm) today.
But unlike his last two wins it is unlikely to be the stroll round Prestbury Park, with the David Pipe-trained Grands Crus making his task that much more difficult.
Paul Nicholl’s dual hero is unbeaten over hurdles in 10 starts. And he has won his two outings this term without much trouble.
Under big-race jockey Ruby Walsh the eight-year-old will be a tough nut to crack in his bid to emulate Inglis Drever’s hat-trick in the stayers’ championship in 2005, 2007-08.
He should win, but Grands Crus will run him very close. Pipe’s six-year-old has risen from handicapper to Grade Two winner in three excellent victories this season.
His most recent success in the Cleeve Hurdle – a race won by both Big Buck’s and Inglis Drever before their triumphs – put him in line to take on the champion. He travelled and jumped superbly and cruised home by 10 lengths.
If all goes to plan Big Buck’s and Grands Crus will jump the last together, but the former may just have too much for his younger rival for now.
KALAHARI KING has been the bridesmaid on several occasions but he can now have his big day in the Ryanair Chase (2.40pm).
Ferdy Murphy’s 10-year-old was running a big race at Ascot last time until almost being carried off the course by a loose horse. He did well to eventually finish as close as he did in fourth behind Riverside Theatre
Second in the Arkle Chase, then third in last year’s Queen Mother Chase as well as being fourth the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2008, he clearly goes well at Cheltenham. He was staying on late in both those races over fences, so this step-up to 2m5f should help him.
Last year’s runner-up Poquelin is the chief danger, but Kalahari King can get a long-awaited success at Prestbury Park.
Murphy invariably gets one or two Festival winners each year and got off the mark with Divers on Tuesday. And he could have a double today with GALANT NUIT in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (4.40pm).
He is owned by Cheshire-based David Parry, who has had a number of successful racing partnerships with Murphy horses such as Aces Four, Nine de Sivola and Haut de Gamme. Galant Nuit was third to Donald McCain’s Aintree hopeful Ballabriggs in last season’s Kim Muir. Connections hope the seven-year-old could also make into a John Smith’s Grand National horse in time. He is entered at Aintree, but it appears he is not high enough in the handicap to get in.
He was pulled up on his only start over hurdles this term, and a setback forced him to miss the Welsh National. But he beat last year’s Grand National hero Don’t Push It in a Grade Three handicap chase at Cheltenham last season and if he arrives fit and well he is sure to run another big race.
WISHFULL THINKING can land the Jewson Novices’ Chase (1.30pm) for trainer Philip Hobbs.
The Minehead trainer had Captain Chris entered here, but chose the Arkle Trophy on Tuesday instead – which was vindicated with his superb victory.
He clearly didn’t want to run both stable-mates against each other. And Wishfull Thinking should be able to make it a doubly good decision by winning this.
Dessie Hughes’ RIVAGE D’OR finally got his head in front at Naas last month after a string of placed efforts. And the consistent, if frustrating, seven-year-old could score again and take the hugely competitive Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle (2.30pm).
The Byrne Group Plate Handicap Chase (4pm) has been won by horses at odds of 25-1 twice, 33-1 and 66-1 in the past decade.
Two possibles at double figure odds are Paul Webber’s EDGBRIAR and the Patrick Rodford-trained Holmwood Legend, who both have each-way chances.
CHELTENHAM (Day Three): 1.30pm Wishfull Thinking, 2.05pm Rivage D’or, 2.40pm Kalahari King (NAP), 3.20pm Big Buck’s, 4pm Edgbriar, 4.40pm Galant Nuit.
