Big Buck's heads straight to Cheltenham

Trainer Paul Nicholls has stated that his Big Buck's will head to straight to the Ladbrokes World Hurdle in March, in his bid to win the race for the third successive season.

Writing in his blog at www.betfair.com/paulnicholls, the champion trainer said: "I have had a discussion with Andy Stewart this morning and we have decided that Big Buck's will sidestep the Cleeve Hurdle and go straight to the Cheltenham Festival.

"Taking in the Cleeve Hurdle was our original plan. But he will be given a break instead and his campaign with now mirror last season's, with the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals as his next targets.

"I just thought it best to let everyone know as soon as possible."