Cleeve Hurdle, writes Elliot Slater.

Big Buck's
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After Big Buck's romped to his 14th successive victory in handing out an eight-length beating to Five Dream in the Grade 1 Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in mid-December, connections gave the impression that he was unlikely to be seen again prior to the defence of his crown at Cheltenham in March. But after giving the matter plenty of consideration since, Nicholls and Big Buck's owner Andy Stewart have decided on a change of plan and will give the nine-year-old a spin at Cheltenham in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle, a race they hope will keep the horse in peak condition as they know full well that he can be a difficult horse to get fit at home on the gallops. Those looking at the Betfair World Hurdle betting will be keeping a close eye on his preparations.

The January 28 contest is run over the Cheltenham Festival.