Big Buck's can go with a bang or a whimper, says Nicholls

BOOKMAKERS do not believe he can be turned over, but trainer Paul Nicholls and owner Andy Stewart have sounded a note of caution over the chance of Big Buck's landing a second victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle this afternoon.

The quirky but ultra-talented seven-year-old is unbeaten in six starts over timber since unseating Sam Thomas in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup. He is odds-on of around 4-7 to repeat his Festival success with last year's runner-up Punchestowns now competing over fences, but connections feel his "quirky" nature will one day catch him out.

Nicholls said: "He is a real old character at home and I am sure he will get himself beat one day by pulling himself up. The better the race, the better he is, and I can't say that he is a banker due to his character. I have a feeling Tidal Bay will run well but on form we will win – but one day he will get himself beat."

Stewart added: "He sets the standard on form and I think Tidal Bay and Karabak have a lot to find. He is ever so well but 4-7 is a stupid price as he could step on a stone or something. I couldn't be happier with him but he will get himself beat one day as he is a quirky sort."

There is Scottish interest in the race too, with Borders trainer Willie Amos saddling Lie Forrit, who will be ridden by Haddington jockey Campbell Gillies.

Nicky Henderson, who trained Punchestowns in this race last year, will this time be represented by Sentry Duty who has his stamina to prove tackling three miles for the first time. The eight-year-old successfully stepped up to two-and-a-half miles at the track on New Year's Day but Henderson freely admits they are heading into the unknown. He said: "The race might be short of pace as Sentry Duty won't be making it like Punchestowns did, which in a way set things up for Big Buck's.

"Big Buck's has done everything and I respect him. Tidal Bay is interesting (and] is a real contender back over hurdles. Sentry Duty will be there at two- and-a-half miles and maybe at two-and- three-quarters but after that, we will be into unknown territory. He needs to be very, very fresh and I had no intention of finding out if he stays before the race."

Nicholls, meanwhile, believes today's nap Poquelin has every chance of reversing Paddy Power Gold Cup form with Irish raider Tranquil Sea as the pair clash again in the Ryanair Chase. The champion trainer has a formidable record in the two-mile-five-furlong Grade One, having won it twice with Thisthatandtother and Taranis since its inception in 2005.

He sends Poquelin this time with the seven-year-old needing to find almost five lengths on Tranquil Sea after finishing second at the track last November.

Connections felt the ground was against him that day and he went one place better in the Boylesports Gold Cup back at Cheltenham the next month.

Nicholls said: "He is in good order and he loves to be fresh. I don't know why he is a better horse this year and why he's jumping better, but he has probably just matured. It is a step up from a handicap to a Grade One but his form has worked out well and he is one of my best chances of the week. I would say he is better than my previous two winners as he has loads of speed and stays."

A solid third choice is The Queen's Barbers Shop. Henderson's representative is without a win since landing a minor race at Sandown in December 2008 but has been beaten by giants of the turf in Kauto Star and Denman this season. Henderson said: "This has been the plan and someday, somewhere, he will win a big race."

Nicanor is the choice in the opening Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase as he returns to the scene of his finest hour. Noel Meade's charge beat Denman in the then Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle at the meeting four years ago but little has gone right for him since.

After following up at Punchestown, injury kept him on the sidelines for nearly three years and he was evidently not quite as good over hurdles on his return.

The Pertemps Final can go to Irish lionheart Prince Erik. Dermot Weld's six-year-old has plenty of guts – as evidenced by his recent Leopardstown success – and should be bounding up that hill when most of his rivals have cried enough.

Atouchbetweenacara can bang home yet another Cheltenham winner for Venetia Williams, while, on all known form, Ballabriggs is the stand-out horse in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup.

Donald McCain's nine-year-old has plenty on his plate giving weight away to the rest of them, but he is seriously progressive.