Big Buck’s returns to action in the Cleeve Hurdle (3.35 Cheltenham). Paul Nicholls’ gelding is now 11 years old and was last seen on the track in December 2012. Ruby Walsh has been in the saddle for Big Buck’s’ last eight wins, so Sam Twiston-Davies has a lot to live up to.
At Fishers Cross is also in the race, looking to get his season going after unseating Tony McCoy last time in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. The winner that day, Reve de Sivola, lines up for trainer Nick Williams. Willie Mullins sends over Boston Bob, who fell at the last fence in the RSA Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival.
The Argento Chase (2.25 Cheltenham) is another hotly anticipated race on the Cheltenham card. The runner up in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, Rocky Creek (Paul Nicholls), is the favourite and faces Houblon Des Obeaux (6th in the Hennessy but with two other wins this season) and Charlie Hall Chase winner Harry Topper.
At Doncaster the card features the Sky Bet Chase and the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle.
Paul Nicholls’ Unioniste heads the betting for the Sky Bet Chase and carries top weight. But there could be some threats lower down the weights, such as Niceonefrankie (Venetia Williams) and Night In Milan (Keith Reveley).
