Hurricane Fly v Big Bucks - 2.4 miles - Aintree

Hurricane Fly would win on de bridle

Dead Heat over this trip.

Oscar would beat both of them i reckon,is he allowed to run Howdi??

Fly for me

I think HF would win quite easily.

Agreed BJG, and it's so annoying how highly regarded Big Buck's is, as he's never shown any versatility at all!

The elevation to Grade One for the 3M hurdle at Aintree has ensured that this reluctance for the champion stayer to step down in trip will be a thorn in our arses for years to come!

It should be demoted to encourage competition in future.

Hurricane Fly has no questions to answer concerning attitude, jumping, ground, trip and fast/slow pace...he's flawless!

Big Buck's is a worthy champion stayer and arguably the best ever, but the notable absence of credible challengers has become tiresome - I wish Doumen would have a rethink concerning Kasbah Bliss, as he would definitely be his biggest rival, though he just didn't perform when they last met...he was a strong favourite to win.

Full back on the Fly he would win on the snaff no disrespect to a very good horse but the Fly.......well he is the Fly(nap)

would fear for BB in this race.

Hurricane Fly without doubt. He stays two miles four as well as anything yet possesses enough speed to burn the fastest of two mile hurdles. Connections have often mentioned how Big Bucks could run in a Champion Hurdle but why has he never even run in an Aintree Hurdle? I'd back the Hurricane to eat him.

Hurricane Fly without doubt. He stays two miles four as well as anything yet possesses enough speed to burn the fastest of two mile hurdles. Connections have often mentioned how Big Bucks could run in a Champion Hurdle but why has he never even run in an Aintree Hurdle? I'd back the Hurricane to eat him.

i've always found the statement regarding BB running in a champion hurdle rather amusing.....interestingly, ruby walsh commented to nick luck just after his last run when just for a moment it looked like dynaste had him in a spot of trouble....ruby said...."he is a stayer and stayers shouldn't travel on the bridle"

Oscar Whiskey needs to be supplemented

H FLy 1-2
B Bucks 2-1

I believe The Fly would win over 2 1/2 mile. They could let Oscar Whisky in to do a bit of pace-making. Probably could throw in Granduet and Binocular also. Between the three of them they should be able to give the race sufficient pace for at least 1 1/2 mile.

perhaps if they move fast enough we could slip the race in at kempton tomoz on the bumpers for jumpers card

1.  Hurricane Fly
Traveled well in behind before quickening and stretching clear. Easily.

2.  Big Buck's
Set a decent gallop, ridden along turning into the home straight. Pushed along to keep tabs with winner, stayed on at the one pace.

2m 5f at Towcester

As long as they win their next engagements I will be positively delighted.

MM if you still have the result up can you check which one did Ruby go for. Or perhaps he rode both.

If someone put up a million pound sponsorship it would happen. Maybe a fund needs to be set up , i'd put
£20 of my own money up to help see it happen.
Like 2 great boxers meeting at an in between weight it would be great to see.
On goodish ground I think HF would probably win but on soft ground I think it would be a totally different story and I'd expect BB to win. Istabraq was no where near fully effective at 2 1/2m on soft
ground and I'd expect HF to be the same.

It would be great. We only need another £999,980.

It reminds me of the match between Buck House and Dawn Run over 2 miles in Punchestown in May 1986. Buck House had just won the Queen Mother and Dawn Run the Gold Cup. Both went for it from a long way out and it was compulsive viewing, with the mare ultimately persevering by a couple of lengths. Tragically both were dead within a few weeks of the race. Buck House falling victim to colic, while Dawn Run fell badly during the French Champion Hurdle. It just made the match itself more poignant.

Tinkler - great idea buddy...I'm in for a score

Shannon Spray - fantastic memories of a great race...a true one off, as the other much anticipated and mooted 'match up' between Montjeu & Dubai Millennium failed to materialise, as connections of both were cowardly farts and full of hot air!

That's why in a nutshell, jump racing is better than the flat

Ruby stuck loyal to Big Buck's with Paul Townend on Hurricane Fly. Ruby went mental at Tommo and hit him with his whip when asked "How does it compare to Denman's Gold Cup big fella?" by the pundit come telephone tipster.

MM - didn't that prick ask Ruby after Denman's 2008 Gold Cup, if he thought he'd picked the right one?

Indeed he did

I'd strongly fancy the Fly. It would be a nightmare decision from Ruby though. I've got a feeling he'd go with Big Bucks.

I think he'd be BANANAS to desert Hurricane Fly...he's NEVER even looked remotely vulnerable!

I don't buy ANY of the hype and I reserve judgement until I see definitive PROOF - that's why I'm always late to jump on the Frankel, Kauto Star & Denman boats, as I'm permanently focusing on the negatives.

Hurricane Fly shut me up once and for all with that magnificent Champion Hurdle win last season, as he answered my questions about his constitution to recover from injury scares, doubts about the ground, undulating track, gruelling championship race pace, and with top rank quality in opposition!

He put them to the sword, and as I mentioned earlier, he is absolutely flawless as a hurdler, and for me he compares most favourably with Istabraq!

On another thread, I posted that even on the flat, he beat the Champion Stakes winner at level weights!
He is without doubt, a truly remarkable hurdler and still possibly under-rated!

I was well AWARE of his potential when he absolutely powered away from a 'hacking' Go Native a few seasons ago, but I became a definite convert when he was crowned last March.

I ignore ALL media guff and trainers' comments, but when confirmation smacks you in the boat like Frankel at Goodwood & Ascot, you just have to be content with being a latecomer to the party...I'm happy with my stance, and in a strange way, I appreciate the greats even more.

Big Buck's has just never done it for me, though he is undoubtedly a wonderful staying hurdler - only with a drop to 20f would I be prepared to rate him higher, as I have strong reservations about his alleged speed...I couldn't see him within striking distance of Hurricane Fly or even a returning Kasbah Bliss over a shorter trip, and the sport is crying out for competition, instead of ratcheting up longer unbeaten sequences.

The Fly for me.

HF no doubt would win.
BB needs to try the Aintree Hurdle,otherwise hes a stayer and thats it,albeit a darn good one.Not enough speed to trouble HF over 2m4,well not that weve seen anyway.

Hurricane Fly would win without doubt but the main question is who would Ruby ride? That's a much tougher one.....