Back to Cheltenham Festival Previews - Index Much like with the Champion Hurdle, this market looks exactly how we might have expected. The defending Champion Big Buck's a very warm order to retain his crown and make it an historic, and unprecedented, 4 wins in a row. Big Buck's (4/7) - He is the best staying hurdler I have ever seen, of that I am sure, and he might well be the best that anybody has ever seen. His dominance in this division is absolute. Each year a new young pretender emerges to threaten his crown, and each time he dismisses them with contemptuous ease. He only does enough to win so wide margin victories are never going to happen but his superiority cannot be doubted. The impression one gets is that he always has any amount in hand at the finish. He stays exceptionally well and has more than enough pace to cover anything else he is likely to face. His jumping is now assured and the occasional flat spots that characterised his early efforts now seem thin on the ground too. It appears and impossible task to beat him because the stronger the pace the easier he wins, and he showed last season that he has the tactical versatility and the ability to deal with a slower pace that does not play to his strengths. He has shown himself to be better than ever this season with a facile success at Newbury before demolishing his field at Ascot. He actually looked in trouble (very) briefly that day but as soon as Ruby awoke him from his slumber, he picked up Dynaste with embarrassing ease and fairly stormed home to win unchallenged. There are very few horses in the history of the game who would have legitimate claims in a World Hurdle, a Champion Hurdle (both Ruby and AP are adamant he has the pace for it), a Cheltenham Gold Cup (poor jumping or not his ability is phenomenal) and an Ascot Gold Cup on the level (would anything be able to touch him on the flat over 2m4f?). He rates absolute banker material. At this stage it is a re-mortgage the house job and just lump it on. Keep it simple, keep it big and count the winnings afterwards. I heard the other day that if you had put £100 on him from the start of his 14 race winning streak and continued to reinvest your winnings each time you would have now surpassed the £1million mark. I have been with him right from the start and wish that I had taken advantage of that opportunity! Oscar Whisky (6/1) - The Nicky Henderson trained Oscar Whisky is the obvious challenger. He is the dominant force over 2m4f but challengers are thin on the ground in that division. He was 3rd in the Champion Hurdle last season, before winning the Aintree Hurdle over 2m4f. This season he fell on his first start when upsides Overturn at the last in the Ascot Hurdle. It remains open to debate whether he would have won that day but whatever the result it would have been close. He has since recorded two facile successes at Cheltenham, never coming of the bridle on New Year's Day to account for the promising Poungach. He has yet to try 3m but there appears every chance he will get the trip. However, for me he is a very very good horse but not a brilliant one. He is thoroughly likeable but my suspicion is that he will always come up just a little short against the very best. This view is backed up by his record in that the only times he has been beaten (excluding his fall) are at the Cheltenham Festival when 4th in the Supreme and 3rd in the Champion. As such he has an almighty task on his hands trying to dethrone the colossus that is Big Buck's. He is not just the very best around, he is arguable the very best there has ever been. It will take a monumental effort to beat him, and whilst he is a worthy challenger, I would be surprised if he were to be treated any differently to anything else that has taken on the same task. Thousand Stars (10/1) - Filled 4th place in the Champion Hurdle, and then a close 2nd in the Aintree Hurdle, both times just one place behind Oscar Whisky. He then went on to France and won the French Champion Hurdle over 3m2f at Auteuil in June. He has proven stamina and is still a horse on the upgrade in my opinion. I have had a little on him EW for the Champion Hurdle at 33/1 and I suspect that will be his Cheltenham target. I get the impression that his main aims are the Aintree Hurdle and the French Champion again. Therefore, connections would rather take the easier 2m route at Cheltenham than bottom him out over 3m in this. Voler La Vedette (16/1) - Remarkably now the highest rated mare in Ireland, surpassing the mighty Quevega after a facile success in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown over 3m. She has form over 2m, 2m4f and now 3m so her target at Cheltenham is difficult to determine. I would imagine the Champion Hurdle is highly unlikely and completely off the radar but both the Mares Hurdle (2m4f) and this race must be under consideration. However, there is some doubt about whether she will even make the trip at all. That doubt is reflected by her being a best priced 16/1 with Sporting Bet but only 7/1 with Ladbrokes who are NRNB. So Young (20/1) - Yet another challenger for Willie Mullins and a very interesting one too. He was backed like defeat was out of the question when sent of favourite for the Neptune. The rumour I heard was that he had demolished Quevega (who had hacked up in the Mares hurdle the previous day) in a gallop giving her a stone. That is almost certainly utter rubbish, or at least an exaggeration and in the end he could only finish 3rd but would undoubtedly been a lot closer without a mistake at the last. He then disappointed at Punchestown but that can be forgiven. This season he has scored impressively in two weak events, however, the strength of the form is impossible to determine. On the bare figures he has 25lbs to find with Big Buck's but I am sure that he is better than his current mark. I was most impressed with him last time (even if he was 1/8), showing a smart turn of foot over 2m. He has yet to try 3m but Mullins appears confident that he can excel over any trip. He is clearly held in high regard but remains something of an unknown quantity and it will be interesting to see how Mullins campaigns him in the lead up to the race. Mikael D'Haguenet (25/1) - He looked to have the racing world at his feet when he completed a brilliant novice season (unbeaten in 6) with victory in the Neptune (then the Ballymore Properties) and at Punchestown. His chasing career never really took off, however, such was the regard in which he was held that he was still sent of 15/2 for the RSA despite being a maiden over fences. He then took a while to regain his sparkle back over hurdles but has recorded two straightforward victories this term and looks to be back on the road to a certain extent. He has yet to fulfil his early potential and he still has questions to answer but he would undoubtedly be dangerous if returning to his very best. Mourad (25/1) - Beaten twice this term by Voler La Vedetter and it is hard to see him improving upon his 3rd place finish in this last year. He is almost certainly flattered by his proximity to Big Buck's that day and whilst the return to good ground will suit it is hard to see him putting down a serious challenge. Zaidpour (25/1) - Hugely impressive when winning the Royal Bond last year and was installed as favourite for the Supreme afterwards. Things subsequently fell apart as he was twice beaten as favourite in Ireland and then trailed in 7th in the Supreme. Mullins is adamant that he wasn't quite right at the end of last season and he has bounced back with two easy successes. He is obviously talented and the way he won his Royal Bond was so striking that it is difficult to forget. One downside is that it might be that he needs soft ground to show his best. Dynaste (33/1) - Most impressive when winning the Fixed Brush Hurdle in a canter but only 4th when pitched in against Big Buck's at Ascot last time. His finishing position does not do justice to his performance as he was quite obviously second best. He set a frantic pace and ultimately paid the price. He is another who would prefer a bit of cut. Restless Harry (33/1) - Ran away with the West Yorkshire Hurdle on his first start this year but has since been beaten twice over fences and put in his place when 3rd behind Big Buck's at Ascot. He was 9th in the World Hurdle last season and the good ground will probably prevent him faring much better this time around. Fiveforthree (33/1) - Yet another Mullins inmate who was quietly fancied for the race last year. He finished only 8th but suffered a recurrence of an old injury and might be out for the season. He is talented but fragile and he must be doubtful to make the line-up. At the age of 10 his injuries might be catching up with him. Five Dream (40/1) - Has twice finished 2nd to Big Buck's this season but hard not to think that there might be a few more filling the gap between them come Cheltenham. He is an honourable performer but limited and seems sure to be exposed in this.
Conclusion - Big Buck's stands very tall indeed over this field and defeat seems unimaginable. Oscar Whisky is the obvious danger but he has fallen just short at both Cheltenham Festivals and it is hard to see that trend being reversed against a horse of the calibre of Big Buck's. The rest of the contenders are dominated by the Mullins trained battalion (Thousand Stars, So Young, Mikael D'Haguenet, Mourad, Zaidpour and Fiveforthree). For all the strength in numbers it is hard to think that any of them could dethrone the reigning Champion. However, given the strength of his team it will surely be sensible to take note of whoever he decides to send into battle here. As far as betting goes there seems little point getting involved antepost in this race. It is hard to fancy anything against Big Buck's and at 4/7 he is already short. He actually drifted on the day last season and the same might happen again this year. Unless things change dramatically between now and then it is surely a case of gathering as much as you can afford and lumping it on. He is a money machine, and the more you put in the more you get out. Perhaps the best EW value at this stage is Dynaste who I think is far better than the Ascot result would suggest. He is perhaps overpriced at 33/1. But I think it just a case of waiting until the day and lumping on the unbeatable Big Buck's to retain his crown.
I like you Zenyatta have been on Big Bucks since the very start, even his defeat in the Hennessy. For me he is by a country mile the most dominant horse I have ever witnessed, there is nothing that can touch him. He is so good I think he could have easily beat Inglis Drever or Barracouda, and it wouldn't suprise me if he could get away with conceeding a stone or maybe even more to them, and still win. The only thing that is going to stop BB, is if he is brought down by a faller, or he gets injured during a race. Oscar Whisky is a horse I like alot, but he's not going to trouble BB. I think your being a little harsh saying he is short of top class, I feel he is. He was the best horse in that Supreme, results afterwards have proved that, he just hadn't quite reached his potential then. He ran a great race in the CH in what was a slow tactical affair, and given that he stays well, I feel he would have been right there with HF, had it been a stronger pace. At Aintree he proved his stamina and class by taking the Aintree hurdle, beating some good horse's. Like Thousand Stars, a French champion hurdle winner, Binocular a proper CH winner, and Peddlars Cross the so called next coming of pegasus. If I owned him id have a crack at the CH, HF is not in the same league as BB, and is a far more voulnerable champion, and if they got a real good gallop, I could see Oscar Whisky going close. Though the fact NH is going for the WH with this fella, is a massive vote of confidence in the 3 he already has lined up for the CH. Thousand Stars is a very good horse, probably one of the most underrated performers in training, generally runs a good race even at the very highest level, he won a French CH last year, and has won a G1 in Ireland already this season and may have added a 2nd had Ruby Walsh given him a half decent ride against Unaccompanied. The so called genius in the saddle decides to hold up a horse who stays all day in a 2 mile race. So no wonder he got done for pace by a horse who beat the BC turf winner on the flat. Nice one Ruby! Looking at the Aintree hurdle he doesn't have much to make up on Oscar Whisky, and he does have the proven 3 mile form which OW doesn't, so he is probably a better value bet than OW. Volar La Vedette is decent, I like her but is she realy going to be up to this class? Probably not, problem they have with her is it's either Quevega or Big Bucks. I'd take on Quevega, on the form she has shown this season, she probably has improved a good bit, and I know ratings can be taken with a pinch of salt but she is now rated higher than Quevega. Not saying she will beat Quevega, but she's an easier task than BB. Nothing else deserves any respect, Mourad's not up to it, Mikael Dhahagent(spelling) is the hype horse of all hype horses, got backed off the boards every time he raced last year, and flopped Every time, and Dynaste is no Grands Crus. Whilst I think Thousand Stars and Oscar Whisky would have a great chance against any other previous WH winner, they don't have a cat in hells chance of beating BB who is a freak of nature. As someone famously once said 'his likes will not be seen again'
Hard to see this race as anything but a foregone conclusion. BB is light years ahead of every other horse in probably the least glamerous division in racing. Personally if he wins another one I'd really like to see him do some different next season. Whether it be back over fences or aiming for the CH.
I was reading the Racing Post Annual this evening and there is an article about Ruby Walsh and his three star hurdlers; Big Buck's, Hurricane Fly and Quevega. Without saying it directly the strong suggestion was that Big Buck's was on a different level altogether. I think the quote was something like "He's an aeroplane, which might sound a bit unfair on the others" or something. He also said that we have yet to see Big Buck's at full tilt. That would be quite something to see!
We'll never see him in full tilt while he hammers over matched horses in the staying division. I'd quite like to see him in the Aintree hurdle this year. At least that would ask him some more questions. Don't get me wrong I think the horse is top class I just would like to see him tested and if no one in the three mile division can do it, then I'd like to see him go somewhere else.
A penalty kick for BB, should be a non event. Cross Kennon each way at crazy prices for me - fast finishing 4th (beaten 4 or 5 lengths from memory) in the race last year, tried and failed to jumped fences this term but now back over hurdles, ran behind BB last time and looked to have fallen out of love with the game but if connections can rekindle the attitude that saw him come up the hill quicker than any 3 miler all week, the 66/1 on offer will look a little silly
Put it this way - any horse you fancy for the festival, put it in a double with Big Bucks to enhance the price
Yet again the banker of the week, Its hard to see where the challenge is going to come from as I think Big Bucks had his hardest challenge yet against Grands Crus last year, I don't think anything in the field this year is of the same calibre as Grand Crus IMO. I like Oscar Whisky alot but his record around Cheltenham in the festival always throws up one or two horses who are better than him and I don't think he as the minerals to give Big Bucks anything to think about over this distance and espcially at Cheltenham. As for the Willie Mullins team, Thousand Stars, Zaidpour and So Young are the only ones I'd shortlist Mourad isn't good enough neither is Mikael D'Haguenet. I think all three I have shortlisted will stay but will need the ground Soft to show there best form. In the end I think Dynaste is the E/W call, I think he is better than the Ascot performance he put in and at 33/1 its not a bad bit of value... Big Bucks will win though. Hes never classy with his wins really so I can't say with ease but as we all know he'll have another tank full in reserve!
I think Dynaste cut his own throat abit at Ascot, he made a bold bid for home, along way out, which he had no chance of sustaining. So I'd agree he is probably a little overpriced at 33s. The only issue with betting him, would be that your only playing for a place, perhaps backing him on Betfair for a place, would be a better idea
I’m another one who can’t see beyond Big Bucks and would imagine that those most likely to place behind him in the World Hurdle are those beasts who don’t at any point, in the heat, take him on but are simply ridden for a place (Dynaste at Ascot tried to take him on and look what happened to him in the home straight as a result!). As my regular readers are aware for the past 2 renewals I’ve really wanted Mr Henderson to run Punchestowns in this as he’s the hurdler to have got closest to Mr Nicholls’ superstar and even once, at the weights, was the moral winner against him. But suspect they missed the ‘boat’ re this ever happening (although 50/1 is quoted by those bookie chappies re the horse for 2012).
Big Bucks. absolute banker. If he loses then the festival will be loss making for me, simple as. Nice big double with Quevega as well.
I actually think Big Buck's absolute dominance is a shame because of exactly this. Paul Nichols campained Kauto Star very aggressively in his early career, taking on a range of distances etc. I think Big Buck's perceived weaknesses over fences have made Nichols too willing to keep him on the staying hurdle scene, when for me, the Champion Hurdle and, say, Ascot Gold Cup are there for the taking. Maybe I'm wrong, and Nichols knows that it'd be too much of a risk because he's more knowledgeable about such things than me, but for me, I think Big Buck's story could be amazing if they took more risks. But I think it'll never happen now. As Nichols always says - 'Big Buck's has nothing to prove now'.
Entries are now out. Press Release: HISTORY BECKONS AS BIG BUCKâS HEADS 34 IN LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE DICKIN CONSIDERING RESTLESS HARRY REMATCH WITH NICHOLLS STAR Big Buckâs features among 34 entries for this yearâs £260,000 Grade One Ladbrokes World Hurdle as he bids to capture the three-mile championship contest for a record fourth consecutive time at The Festival on St Patrickâs Thursday, March 15. The Stewart Familyâs phenomenal hurdler is unbeaten in 14 starts over the smaller obstacles since contesting the Hennessy Gold Cup in November, 2008, and looked as good as ever when sauntering to a comprehensive eight-length success on his latest start in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 17. His trainer Paul Nicholls is considering letting Big Buckâs take his chance in the Grade Two Cleeve Hurdle over three miles on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on January 28 in preparation for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. If the nine-year-old were to capture both races, he would equal the record for consecutive wins over jumps in Britain set by three-time Champion Hurdle winner Sir Ken, who recorded 16 straight victories in the 1950s. Big Buckâs is rated a 4/7 chance for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle with the race sponsor, which has Oscar Whisky, also entered in the Stan James Champion Hurdle, as the 4/1 second favourite. The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old has yet to race over three miles but boasts some excellent form over shorter distances, including a fine third in last yearâs Stan James Champion Hurdle and a facile success over an extended two and a half miles on his latest start at Cheltenham on New Yearâs Day. Restless Harry was ninth behind Big Buckâs in last yearâs Ladbrokes World Hurdle but Robin Dickinâs stable star posted an excellent performance when comprehensively winning a Grade Two Hurdle at Wetherby in October. The eight-year-old subsequently made the frame in two starts over fences before returning to hurdles to finish third behind Big Buckâs at Ascot in December. Dickin revealed: âThe Ladbrokes World Hurdle is on the radar for Restless Harry and we will make a decision whether to keep him over hurdles or return to chasing in due course. âHe will probably be entered in the Cleeve Hurdle on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham and he could go for the Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase on the same card. If he didnât run there, I might look at the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock instead. âHe never runs a bad race and his Wetherby run at the start of the season was astonishing. I am not quite sure what that was about so I am not sure how to recreate it â I would have thought that the run would have brought him on. âGoing chasing isnât off the agenda with him but the season is getting on and there are such huge prizes on offer with the long-distance hurdles. He got a little bit chopped coming round the top turn in last yearâs Ladbrokes World Hurdle and I think that he has improved slightly since then.â A total of 11 Irish-trained entries include eight possible runners from the stable of Willie Mullins, headed by dual Grade One winners Thousand Stars and Quevega, Mourad, So Young, Zaidpour and Mikael dâHaguenet, plus the Colm Murphy-trained Voler La Vedette, who has won her latest three starts impressively.
LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE Class 1, Grade One, £260,000 Total Prize Fund, three miles. Cheltenham, 3.20pm, Thursday, March 15, three miles. For four-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 10 - horses which are not qualified for a rating in GB, IRE or FR may also be entered (such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horseâs racecourse performances up to and including March 8 would merit a minimum rating of 130 â the decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final). Weights: 4yo: 11st 1lb; 5yo+: 11st 10lb; fillies & mares allowed 7lb. Entries closed January 17, entries revealed January 19 (34 entries). Scratchings deadline February 14, £13,000 supplementary entry stage & six-day confirmation stage March 9, final declarations 10am, March 13. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Monday, January 17. Form Horse Age Owner Trainer 2206-33 BARWELL BRIDGE 6 Tracy Brown Warren Greatrex 1111-11 BIG BUCK'S (FR) 9 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls 141/- BOBBY EWING (IRE) 7 Just Good Friends David Pipe 1111-13 BOBS WORTH (IRE) 7 The Not Afraid Partnership Nicky Henderson 412-402 CANTLOW (IRE) 7 R V Shaw Paul Webber 0214-35 CARLITO BRIGANTE (IRE) 6 Gigginstown House Stud Gordon Elliott IRE 210-131 CELESTIAL HALO (IRE) 8 The Stewart Family Paul Nicholls 124/0P-5 CRACK AWAY JACK 8 GDM Partnership Paul Nicholls 214-545 CROSS KENNON (IRE) 8 P & Mrs G A Clarke Jennie Candlish 3216-14 DYNASTE (FR) 6 John White David Pipe 051/-230 EL DANCER (GER) 8 Ron Davies Lucy Wadham 13U-112 FEATHERBED LANE (IRE) 7 Terry Warner Philip Hobbs 11-6541 FINAL APPROACH 6 Douglas Taylor Willie Mullins IRE 36-0222 FIVE DREAM (FR) 8 Scott-MacDonald, Kilduff, Donlon & Doyle Paul Nicholls 152/11U- FLAT OUT (FR) 7 M O'Riordan Willie Mullins IRE 1F0-114 KING OF THE NIGHT (GER) 8 Mr & Mrs G Calder Paul Nicholls F-40311 MIKAEL D'HAGUENET (FR) 8 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 13-2422 MOURAD (IRE) 7 Teahon Consulting Limited Willie Mullins IRE 131-F11 OSCAR WHISKY (IRE) 7 Walters Plant Hire Ltd Nicky Henderson 122-1 OUR FATHER (IRE) 6 The Ives & Johnson Families David Pipe 4P/-2360 PETTIFOUR (IRE) 10 J B Pettifer Nigel Twiston-Davies 131-12 POUNGACH (FR) 6 Donlon, Doyle, MacDonald & Webb Paul Nicholls 102-124 PRIMA VISTA 7 Joseph Kirwan Noel Meade IRE 3011/1-1 QUEVEGA (FR) 8 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 121(1)15- RECESSION PROOF (FR) 6 P Taylor & J Stone John Quinn 30-1323 RESTLESS HARRY 8 R G Whitehead Robin Dickin 3-20232 SAPHIR RIVER (FR) 6 Fat Gary Sports Michael Scudamore 621310- SMAD PLACE (FR) 5 Mrs Peter Andrews Alan King 13-6111 SO YOUNG (FR) 6 Mrs M McMahon Willie Mullins IRE UF-4U02 THE GIANT BOLSTER 7 Simon Hunt David Bridgwater 2-22112 THOUSAND STARS (FR) 8 Hammer & Trowel Syndicate Willie Mullins IRE 3226U-3 TIDAL BAY (IRE) 11 Andrea & Graham Wylie Paul Nicholls 1-14111 VOLER LA VEDETTE (IRE) 8 Mrs M Brophy Colm Murphy IRE 1220-11 ZAIDPOUR (FR) 6 Susannah Ricci Willie Mullins IRE 34 entries 11 Irish-trained Latest prices from Ladbrokes: 4/7 Big Buckâs; 4/1 Oscar Whisky; 7/1 Thousand Stars, Voler La Vedette; 12/1 Bobs Worth, Zaidpour, Quevega; 14/1 So Young, Mikael DâHaguent, Mourad; 20/1 Dynaste; 25/1 Poungach, Celestial Halo, Featherbed Lane; 33/1 Restless Harry, Five Dream, Our Father; 40/1 Tidal Bay; 50/1 Barwell Bridge, Bobby Ewing, Carlito Brigante, Crack Away Jack, Final Approach, Recession Proof, Prima Vista, Smad Place, Pettitfour; 66/1 Cantlow, Cross Kenyon, El Dancer, Flat Out, King Of The Knight, Saphir River, The Giant Bolster
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – can’t see beyond Big Bucks. Featherbed Lane is an interesting entry though from Pip Hobbs. Was just denied the opportunity of winning a big pot at the weekend, many will say unfairly as the jockey of the winner ‘broke the rules’ courtesy of to many thrashes of his whip, may be better than a handicapper and could surprise one or two of the ‘old brigade’ who now look fairly exposed. Yes, quite an interesting runner this one.
Penalty kick for Big Bucks - Cross Kennon at a massive price for the forecast. Half of those in the top 8 of the betting are guaranteed not to run in this, when Cross Kennon sees the better ground and that hill he will make 80/1 quotes look very silly....
I'd be very tempted with Quevega if she ran, I think she'll stay 3 miles at Cheltenham she handles 2 miles 4f with absolute ease and she as hacked up at Cheltenham for the last 3 years hardly coming off the bridle in all 3 races and although she is facing clearly inferior opposition year in year out and its a Grade 2 she is certainly a Group 1 horse who would be recieving 7lb all round if she took her chance in the World Hurdle, Shes won the World Hurdle at Punchestowns the last 2 years running after Cheltenham and I could definetly see her running a place. I'd find her very intresting if she took her chance. She'll more than likely have a punt at a 4th David Nicholson though... Besides that this looks an utter cakewalk for Big Bucks. The hardest opposition he as faced is Grands Crus and I can't see anything in the World Hurdle field this year with the same ability as GC and look what Big Bucks did to him twice!
