Big Buck’s once again stamped his class with an authoritative display in the Long Walk Hurdle at Newbury. Last season’s World Hurdle hero was sent off at 1-2 to record his sixth successive victory over timber, but there were a few anxious moments as Ruby Walsh became animated turning for home.
Big Buck’s affirmed his position as a ‘punting banker’ for next March’s Cheltenham festival when taking the rescheduled Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury this afternoon.
Big Bucks showed his class in Long Walk Hurdle
Despite tough conditions, the Andy Stewart-owned hurdler destroyed the opposition in the three-mile contest, causing bookmakers William Hill to slash his odds for the World Hurdle to 4-7 from even money. Pretender to the crown Diamond Harry could only finish third in the race and was eased to 7-1 from 6-1, whilst Karabak’s solid second-place saw Hills trim his odds to 7-1 from 12-1. Nick Williams – trainer of Diamond Harry- has now highlighted a possible tilt at the RSA Chase for his charge – for which Hills have re-quoted the gelding at odds of 12-1.
Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, said: ‘’Big Buck’s now appears absolutely bombproof for the Festival after today’s performance, and is a certainty to appear on every punters ‘banker’ list for March.’’
In other ante-post news Solwhit now matches Zaynar as joint 9-2 favourite for the Champion Hurdle after taking the Leopardstown December Hurdle today, whilst What A Friend’s victory in the Lexus Chase saw his odds for the Gold Cup tumble to 20-1 from 33-1, with his Hennessy victor Denman also trimmed to 2-1 from 9-4. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls now rates as a 1/3 chance to saddle the winner of next March’s Gold Cup for a fourth successive year.
World Hurdle (William Hill Bet) 4-7 Big Bucks, 7-1 Diamond Harry, Karabak, 16-1 Mr Thriller, 20-1 Whiteoak, 25-1 Fair Along, 33-1 Cousin Vinny (Others On Request) (EW 1/4 1,2,3)
Cheltenham Gold Cup: 6-4 Kauto Star, 2-1 Denman, 14-1 Imperial Commander, 16-1 Cooldine, 20-1 What A Friend, 25-1 Joncol, 33-1 Money Trix, Notre Pere, 40-1 Barbers Shop, Madison du Berlais, 50-1 Albertas Run, In Compliance, Killyglen, Rare Bob, 66-1 Cappa Bleu, Schindlers Hunt , 100-1 Niche Market (Others On Request) (EW 1/4 1,2,3)
