The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 16 March 2011 /

A mouth-watering World Hurdle in prospect, and Timeform believe a new King could be crowned...

Any Given Day has already had a good season courtesy of a valuable handicap win at Chepstow and a series of in-frame efforts afterwards, though he seemed not to stay a testing 3m at Haydock last time.

Ashkazar proved a revelation on his first run at 3m when landing a competitive handicap at this venue in January, but he's not the most straightforward and faces an altogether tougher test here.

Berties Dream is a front runner who thrived last term, winding up his campaign with victory in the Spa Novices' Hurdle at this meeting, but he didn't do enough back over hurdles last time to think he will be a force here.

Big Buck's stretched his unbeaten run over hurdles in Britain to 10 when readily landing the odds in the Long Walk at Newbury in December, and sets an exacting standard in his bid for a third straight win in this race.

Celestial Halo was the Champion Hurdle runner-up in 2009. Back to winning ways when beating Trenchant in National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell last month, he has stamina to prove upped markedly in trip now.

Cross Kennon has been gradually progressive over the last 2 years, recording a career-best when when landing a 3m Grade 2 event at Haydock last month. Sure to give his all again, he's no forlorn hope to reach a place.

Fiveforthree looked destined for top honours when winning the 3m World Series Hurdle in April 2009. He had no trouble in landing the odds on his return from a long absence recently, but meets 2 exceptional stayers here.

Grands Crus is one of the most progressive hurdlers in recent times, routing the field in Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle here in January. It's a fair bet that there is even more to come, and he's a serious threat to Big Buck's.

Mourad Smart made it 4 wins from last 7 starts when justifying favouritism in Grade 2 at Gowran in January. However, nothing in his form to justifies his place in the market here.

Powerstation has been a regular here down the years, enhancing his course record when third to Big Buck's in this race last year, but into the veteran stage now and this looks a stronger renewal.

Restless Harry has come up short against the best since stepping up from novice company, though rallied well when third to Grands Crus here in January and will be staying on when others have had enough.

Rigour Bob Back's placed efforts at up to 3m since winning a Grade 2 at Navan in December are hard to knock, but his overall form falls a long way short of what will be required here.

Souffleur was right back to his best when winning at Haydock last term and chased home Big Buck's when last seen at Aintree in April, but lack of a recent run adds to an already stiff task.

Zaynar won the Triumph in 2009, but winless is since those juvenile days. Has had his temperament called into question on more than the odd occasion, and longer trip not certain to show him in a better light.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Grands Crus
2. Big Buck's
3. Restless Harry

Timeform View: A mouth-watering clash in prospect between reigning dual champion Big Buck's and Grand Crus. The young pretender looks the value call at the respective prices and he is taken to end his rival's domination of the staying hurdling division. Restless Harry and Cross Kennon could be worth a speculative punt for a place.

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