RACING:Big Buck's presented himself as a serious contender for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle with a game defeat of Punchestowns at Cheltenham.
The Byrne Group Cleeve Hurdle, run over the same course and distance as March’s feature event, brought together a cluster of the biggest names in the sphere headed by the Festival favourite Punchestowns.
Big Buck’s (7-2) started off the season in controversy over the bigger obstacles as he unseated Sam Thomas at the final fence of the Hennessy Gold Cup, causing his rider untold misery.
New plans were implemented by trainer Paul Nicholls and he won a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day before finding the acid test to his credentials coming along pretty quickly against Nicky Henderson’s imperious Long Walk victor Punchestowns, the 10-11 favourite.
After a completely uneventful opening circuit, it was up to the pacey Fair Along to show his hand first but the two market principles were stalking ominously as they joined him in the game at the second-last flight.
Barry Geraghty got after Punchestowns but the concession of 8lb proved too much as Big Buck’s and Ruby Walsh raced four lengths clear on the run-in.
“We made mistakes with him last year and it was only when he ran over three miles at Aintree that we saw what he was capable of,” said Nicholls.
“We just decided after the Hennessy that with Kauto Star and Denman and the like, it wouldn’t do him any harm to go back over hurdles as he’s only six and he can run in other Gold Cups.
“I don’t want to say anything more about the Hennessy but I have no doubt Ruby would have won on him. It’s hard on Sam, but he didn’t really know the horse and Ruby is great on him.
“Doing this has been the making of him. He was getting 8lb but better ground will help us too and I think he’s got a great chance in the World Hurdle.”
Walsh added: “He’s always been held in high regard and you can tell that when you walk into the yard as there is Denman, Kauto Star, Master Minded and this horse in the next stable.
“He gave me a great feel and I knew I had plenty of horse under me. I got there plenty soon enough but he has a big engine and he pulled plenty out.”
Joe Lively could bid for an audacious Gold Cup-Grand National double after a heartwarming success for the Tizzard family in the Letheby & Christopher Chase.
Trainer Colin Tizzard is planning to “play the big game” after his 10-year-old made virtually all the running under his son Joe to cause an 11-1 upset in the blue riband trial.
With 2006 Welsh National winner Halcon Genelardais and last year’s Arkle victor Tidal Bay in opposition, Joe Lively appeared to have his work cut out but he rose to the challenge in determined fashion.
Star De Mohaison moved ominously well just off the pace heading down the hill and Joe Lively’s race appeared over after he blundered his way over the second last.
But Star De Mohaison quickly emptied and the Tizzard flag-bearer gathered himself up to scrap his way past Halcon Genelardais and claim a near three-length success.
Tizzard will now prepare the winner for the totesport Gold Cup, for which the sponsors trimmed him into 25s from 100-1. Boylesports also made him a 20-1 chance for the John Smith’s Grand National.