Big two lead World possibles

Annie Power and Big Buck's are among 16 confirmations for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday.

After much debate, champion trainer Willie Mullins finally committed Annie Power to this event last week, with Ruby Walsh, who built up such a great association with Big Buck's over the years, due to partner the unbeaten mare.

Mullins has also left in Boston Bob, Thousand Stars and Quevega, but the latter is virtually assured to bid for her sixth consecutive victory in Tuesday's OLBG Mares' Hurdle.

Big Buck's will be aiming to secure a remarkable fifth victory in the three-mile Grade One, having missed last year's renewal through injury.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 11-year-old suffered defeat on his return in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January under new pilot Sam Twiston-Davies, but remains the one to beat in the feature event on day three of the Festival.

Nicholls is also set to saddle last year's runner-up Celestial Halo, Salubrious and Zarkandar.

Other major contenders for the stayers' crown include At Fishers Cross, More Of That, Rule The World and Reve De Sivola.