Big Buck’s has been an outstanding champion in the staying division, but he faces his toughest test yet in his bid for a fourth successive victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle (3.20) and Oscar Whisky can lower his colours at Cheltenham today.
Oscar Whisky is a class act in his own right, winning ten of his 13 starts. Of his defeats, one was caused by a last-flight fall at Ascot, while the other two came over an inadequate trip at the past two Festivals, finishing fourth in the 2010 Supreme Novices’ and third to Hurricane Fly in last season’s Champion Hurdle.
He gained a first success at the highest level when holding off Thousand Stars in the Aintree Hurdle at the Grand National meeting last April. Oscar Whisky was impressive over an extended two and a half miles at this track both in December and January, before completing his preparation during the cold snap with a smooth success in a “jumpers bumper” on the all-weather at Kempton Park.
This step up to three miles takes Oscar Whisky into unknown territory, but in terms of ability he is the classiest rival that Big Buck’s has faced in this race and if he proves suited by this trip he may well have too much pace for the champion. Nicky Henderson, his trainer, is carrying all before him this week and, at 5-1 with Coral, Oscar Whisky is worth backing.
Big Buck’s will not go down without a fight. Several times in the past, he has hit a flat spot before powering clear of his rivals and if he is challenged too early he will doubtless try to battle back. However, the first two defending champions in the feature races have been beaten and Big Buck’s may suffer the same fate.
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Henrietta Knight’s yard has endured a torrid time since the glory days of Best Mate, with numbers down and just six winners last season, There has been something of a resurgence this season, however, and Somersby can land a popular success in the Ryanair Chase (2.40).
Somersby, placed twice at the Festival in the past, has looked a little quirky on occasions but seemed transformed by the fitting of cheekpieces at Ascot last time, gaining a maiden grade one success in the Victor Chandler Chase in determined fashion at the expense of Finian’s Rainbow.
That form was given a massive boost when Finian’s Rainbow landed the Champion Chase yesterday and, if the headgear has the same galvanising effect, Somersby will be tough to beat over what is probably his optimum trip. The 6-1 generally on offer is worth taking.
Donald McCain has his stable in terrific form and looks set for another good day, with Peddler’s Cross likely to get the ball rolling in the Jewson Novices’ Chase (1.30). He bypassed the Arkle Trophy, and a clash with Sprinter Sacre, in favour of this lesser contest and can vindicate that decision.
A high-class hurdler, finishing second to Hurricane Fly in last year’s Champion, Peddler’s Cross looked a natural over fences when making a fluent winning start at Bangor. He suffered a muscle injury when blundering at the first fence on his only subsequent start, at Kempton Park, but is reported to be back firing on all cylinders now. With this stiffer test in his favour, he will be tough to beat.
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McCain can saddle a quick-fire double through Across The Bay in the Pertemps Final (2.05). This gelding has progressed well since joining McCain from Noel Meade at the start of the season, running well on all four starts despite being out of his depth behind Big Buck’s last time. This return to handicap company will suit and he looks too big at the 25-1 offered by Betfred and Ladbrokes.
Hector’s Choice can gain a deserved success in the Byrne Group Plate (4.00). He has been placed in competitive handicaps on his past four starts, most recently when runner-up to Nacarat in a valuable handicap at Kempton Park. Able to race off a 1lb lower mark, he looks sure to go close.
Up The Beat is improving at a rate of knots and can take the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (4.40). He jumped well when winning at Fairyhouse in December and then ran a cracker on his handicap debut when second to Portrait King, the subsequent Eider Chase winner, at Punchestown. There should be plenty more to come after just three starts over fences and he can defy top weight.
The experts’ view
Rob Wright
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1 Oscar Whisky
2 Big Buck’s
3 Smad Place
Alan Lee
1 Oscar Whisky
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2 Big Buck’s
3 Dynaste
Thunderer
1 Big Buck’s
2 Thousand Stars
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3 Dynaste
Andy Stephens
1 Big Buck’s
2 Oscar Whisky
3 Thousand Stars