When the Paul Nicholls trained Big Bucks unseated rider Sam Thomas at the last in the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, connections decided on a rethink as to where to place the five year old. Few, however could have predicted that he would not only revert back to hurdles, but to go on a five timer that included the Ladbrokes World Hurdle back in March.
Big Bucks is many people's banker to repeat his Cheltenham Festival win in 2010 with last years closest rival Punchestowns now novice chasing and he's a very short 1/2 shot with Victor Chandler for this weekend's trial in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
Get a free £100 bet when you open a new account with Victor Chander.
A long list of Champion stayers have won the 'Long Walk' down the years and although Paul Nicholls' six year old won commandingly in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last time out, there are a couple of factors in Saturday's race that raise question marks. Firstly, he runs right-handed for the first time in his career in the UK.
Connections suggest this won't be a problem but it's certainly worth consideration when looking to place your bet. The other factor is that he faces the strongest field since his Festival win.
Karabak and Diamond Harry finished second and third in last year's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and it is the latter that has recieved market support for the Long Walk, having been backed in to 100/30 second favourtism by Paddy Power for the race.
The Nick Williams trained six year old was an impressive top weight winner in the Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle at Haydock on his only run this season and has stamina to burn. Karabak on the other hand lost out to Champion Hurdle favourite Zaynar in the Coral Ascot Hurdle last time over a shorter trip and as a result Paddy Power have him as a 12/1 shot.
Check out all the latest Cheltenham Festival betting news.
It's a tough race for punters as although Big Bucks looks the winner he is a very short price and there's a lot to like about the next two in the betting. Add in to the mix seasonal campaigners such as Lough Derg and Fair Along, plus 2008 Champion Hurdle winner Katchit who is taking his chances at the longer trip, we're set fair for an interesting race.
At a push, Karabak looks the value bet each way at 12/1, despite Diamond Harry's win at Haydock Alan King's six year old holds him on Cheltenham Festival form and the market seems out on it's summation of the odds.
Selection - 2.05 Ascot - Saturday
Karabak 12/1 - Bet now and get a £50 free bet with Paddy Power.
Long Walk Hurdle Betting Forecast - 1/2 Big Bucks, 10/3 Diamond Harry, 12/1 Karabak, Lough Derg, 16/1 Fair Along, Whiteoak, Katchit, Sentry Duty, 33/1 Kayf Aramis, 66/1 Sweetheart, Viper
Prices supplied by Paddy Power - Open an account and get a free £50 Bet.
Posted: Thursday, 17th December 2009
Author: Rodney Wise
Tags: cheltenham festival, big bucks, karabak, diamond harry, paddypower,
Headline News
 | Wolves V West Brom Betting Back A Score Draw In The Black Country Derby Both Sides In Need Of Points Ahead Of Big Derby Match |
 | Dr PJ Moriarty Novice Chase Odds Last Instalment Looks For 4 Timer At Leopardstown Bog Warrior Almost Certain To Go To Naas |
 | Deloitte Novice Hurdle Odds Cash And Go Favourite To Confirm Form With Sous Les Cieux Captain Conan An Interesting Supplement For Nicky Henderson |
 | Wales V Scotland Odds George North Scorecast Looks A Tempting Bet Wales Huge Favourites At The Millennium Stadium |
 | BAFTA Odds As Sundays Ceremony Approaches The Artist Looks Set To Scoop Top Prizes |
BRAND NEW £200 free bets offer.
Open Account - Free £200 Bets With Paddypower
£25 free bet with William Hill.
Open Account - Claim £25 Free With William Hill
Ladbrokes are offering a brand new £50 free bet for new customers
Open Account - Free £50 Bet at Ladbrokes
The UK based bookmaker Betfred is now offering a £50 free bet for new clients.
Open Account - Free £50 Bet With Betfred
Up to £200 worth of free bets with Bet365.
Open Account - Claim £200 Free With Bet365
Victor Chandler's new site, BetVictor, offers a massive £100 in free bets to new clients via our exclusive signup offer:
Open Account - Claim £100 in free bets with BetVictor
Online bookmaker Stan James offer up to £150 in free bets per new account.
Open Account - Free £150 Bets With Stan James
Those looking for some online casino entertainment ought to check out all the latest UK Casino Sign Up offers from the top operators including 32Red and many of the sports betting casinos.
There is excellent information, should you be interested in playing online blackjack, roulette, the best progressives or slots - Online Casino Betting with the best introductory offers
Bookmark This Page