Andy Stewart's pride and joy won his fourth World Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and, try as they might, none of his rivals have found a way to get the better of him so far.

With trainer Paul Nicholls in a fight to keep his champion trainers' crown, another victory for the nine-year-old would come in very handy indeed for the Master of Ditcheat.

Nicholls also runs the lightly-raced Poungach, last seen chasing home Oscar Whisky at Cheltenham in January and the enigmatic Tidal Bay.

Serious Rival

Alan King's Smad Place seems to be the only serious rival for Big Buck's.

The grey five-year-old ran a career-best in the World Hurdle, finishing just over eight lengths behind in third.

He will need to improve again at a track where in the past Big Buck's has arguably looked better than at Cheltenham.

Crack Away Jack has his first start for Tom George. In three runs for Nicholls the former Champion Hurdle fourth failed to recapture his old sparkle.

Restless Harry runs for Robin Dickin while Sabrina Harty's Won In The Dark is the sole Irish challenger.

The Donald McCain-trained Across The Bay completes the field.