The red hot favourite and the defending Champion, Big Bucks has done no wrong since making the switch to hurdles in January last year, he is six from six and it looks difficult to see how this year will be any different.

His main rival could come from the Alan King trained Karabak who took runner up slot to the favourite in December at Newbury where he put in a great display on soft ground, money came thick and fast for this one after, he deserves another shot at the best.

Tidal Bay won the 2008 Arkle Trophy then went off the boil shortly after, he returned to hurdles in January here at Cheltenham to score in the Cleeve Hurdle looking like he was rather enjoying himself once again.

Other interesting contenders include Sentry Duty who won at Cheltenham on New Years Day and Time For Rupert who may be a nice each way bet after some cracking recent efforts here at Cheltenham taking runner up to Tidal Bay on his last outing.

Age Trend: Range: 6 - 9yo.

Trainer Trend: PF Nicholls has won the last two renewals of this race with Big Buck's. J Howard Johnson has trained three winners of this race in the last eight years.

Jockey Trend: R Walsh was the jockey on both of Big Buck's wins.

Favourite Trend: The favourite has won three times in the last eight years (one was a joint-favourite).

Official Rating Trend: Range: 157 - 174. (No OR for 2003 winner.)