In an ideal world when the subject of the World Hurdle came up in conversation racing fanatics could discuss a number of horse’s chances and indulge in a endless debate, similar to the argument that would ensue if we were to talk about the Gold Cup or Champion Hurdle. 

However, the reality is that the World Hurdle Crown is staying exactly where it is – resting on the head of the marvellous Big Buck’s.

The only debate worth having is over how many lengths Big Buck’s will win by and whether it is really worth including a 4/7 short in any of your Cheltenham Festival ante post bets.

While Master Minded, Dunguib and Kauto Star all fluffed their lines as Cheltenham ‘bankers’ at last year’s Festival, Big Buck’s made no mistake with his script, putting up another jaw-dropping performance to defend his crown in the race.  Since he ditched a career over fences and found his fortune over hurdles, Paul Nicholls superstar is ten races unbeaten and he has never looked like he could be turned over.  Sent off at 2/13 in the Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury in December, he laughed at his rivals all the way to the line and anybody watching that would do well to suggest there is a horse that could beat the champion.

It is seriously difficult to see where the danger to Big Buck’s would come from and inspection of the World Hurdle ante post market reveals a worryingly thin challenge could face the eight-year-old in March.  It is little surprise to see his odds so short and only the unlikely possibility that either Long Run or Punchestowns could be sent over hurdles by Nicky Henderson could install some interest in the race.

World Hurdle ante post selection:

Big Buck’s