Bucks still the one says McCoy

Tony McCoy believes Big Buck's is still the one to beat in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle next month, despite Grands Crus' impressive win in the Cleeve Hurdle.

The champion jockey has been lucky enough to partner Paul Nicholls' dual World Hurdle winner in both of his races this season in the absence of the injured Ruby Walsh.

Andy Stewart's eight-year-old has not come off the bridle in maintaining his unbeaten record over timber in England, but plenty of judges have suggested he will face his stiffest test next next month against David Pipe's exciting youngster.

However, McCoy believes the grey's free-running style could be a disadvantage at the Festival.

"To me, if you look at the best stayers, they always race behind the bridle," said McCoy in The Independent.

"Horses like (dual winner) Baracouda and (three-time winner) Inglis Drever never travelled through their races the way Grands Crus did in the Cleeve Hurdle.

"I could be wrong, but he'd have to be some horse to have enough in reserve to beat Big Buck's."