Buck's among 14 World Hurdle entries

Big Buck's and Grands Crus are the headline acts among 14 remaining horses in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next Thursday.

After winning the race for the second successive year last season, Big Buck's appeared to have a penalty kick to emulate three-times scorer Inglis Drever.

But the emergence of David Pipe's Grands Crus, unbeaten in three starts, has sparked the race into life. Pipe also has Ashkazar as an option.

The Willie Mullins pair of Mourad and Fiveforthree are also class performers on their day and will not be easily brushed aside.

Festival regular Powerstation, Edward O'Grady's Rigour Back Bob and last year's Albert Bartlett winner Berties Dream are other Irish hopes.

Nicky Henderson's Zaynar steps up to three miles for the first time, with Celestial Halo representing the same connections as Big Buck's.

Any Given Day, Cross Kennon, Restless Harry and Souffleur are the other possibles at the latest stage.