Connections have sounded a note of caution over the chance of Big Buck's landing a second victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle this afternoon.

The 7yo is odds-on for the double, but Paul Nicholls feels his "quirky" nature will one day catch him out.

The trainer said: "The better the race, the better he is. Tidal Bay will run well but on form we will win - but one day he will get himself beat."

Bay 'no Drever'

Howard Johnson admits his World Hurdle contender Tidal Bay isn't in the same league as triple winner Inglis Drever.

The handler said: "He's good but he's no Inglis Drever, you only get one like him and it was some achievement to win three World Hurdles.

"I was pleased with how he won the Cleeve and he has a good Cheltenham record. He's in good order and as long as the ground is good, he'll be fine."

King duo poised

Alan King is represented by Katchit and Karabak in today's World Hurdle.

Karabak chased home Big Buck's at Newbury and King said: "I'm looking forward to it but if Big Buck's brings his A-game, then we are all in trouble.

"Karabak has been working well, he'll appreciate the better ground and he likes to be fresh. But I don't think there's as much between Katchit and Karabak as the betting suggests."

Will Duty stay?

Sentry Duty has his stamina to prove when tackling 3m for the first time in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "Big Buck's has done everything and I respect him, while Tidal Bay is a real contender back over hurdles.

"Sentry Duty will be there at 2½m and 2¾m but after, we will be into unknown territory. I'd no intention of finding out if he stays before the race."

War set for one more battle

Former Cheltenham Gold Cup hero War Of Attrition returns to the scene of his finest hour for the World Hurdle.

Trainer Mouse Morris said: "I couldn't be happier with him and he seems to have travelled over well, he seems to know he's back at Cheltenham.

"He seems in great form and this is his last season before he retires, so we'll give it a go. If he could run into a place I'd be over the moon with him."

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