Cheltenham Bankers Pt

The other major contender to keep your eye on is the perennial appearance of Big Buck’s in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle - a long distance contest over smaller obstacles that this horse has stamped his authority over like few have in history. He hasn’t been seen in the race since capturing it from Voler La Vedette in 2012 as he picked up an injury shortly after conquering the Sportingbet Long Distance Hurdle back in January of that year. 

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He returned this year after a lengthy absence only to finish a tame third behind Knockara Beau when sent off as the lukewarm 6/5 favourite in the Cleeve Hurdle against five other contenders. That is his first loss since unseating his rider back in 2008 and that was over fences. 

He looks like he will be back to his best in this race and will likely be better for that run in late January. Look for him around 2.25 in the ante post market in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle with the only real contender who may be able to lay claim to his crown in this race would be Annie Power who is looking likely to go for this race and has been backed down to 3.25. 

It should be noted however, that Annie Power is also down to 7/2 with some books to line up for the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle - a race she would likely win - and it may seriously shake up the market if she is confirmed for that race instead of the run against Big Buck’s over the longer distance. If that declaration were to come, it would likely see Big Buck’s price tumble to odds-on as it likely hasn’t been factored into the odds just yet at this point. 

Both At Fisher’s Cross and More Of That loom as distinct contenders as we head into this race and the former of which was second to Knockara Beau by a short head - placing him a length and a half ahead of Big Buck’s in that race back in late January. Prior to that he unseated his rider at Ascot in the Long Walk Hurdle. Prior to that he kicked off his campaign a disappointing 22 lengths back behind Celestial Halo despite being sent off as the 10/11 favourite in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury racecourse.