PNicholls

Here's my preview of the World Hurdle:

Both Big Buck's and Celestial Halo are owned by The Stewart Family and we will start with Celestial Halo. With all due respect to Alan, I was bloody relieved to see Mille Chief well beaten in the Champion on Tuesday. I may have to answer some tricky questions from Andy as we were giving Mille Chief 4lb when beaten by a nose in the Kingwell at Wincanton last month! But this horse has clearly come right back to his best in recent weeks - don't forget he is a Triumph Hurdle winner and a Champion Hurdle runner-up - and won well in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell last time. A lot of people think he is in here to make the running for Big Buck's but let them think that.

That said, Big Buck's is clearly the main man. Unbeaten in his 10 starts over hurdles, two of which came in this race, he is simply a star. But he is a more of a recluse than a showman in that he would beat a seller the same distance he would a Grade 1 horse; he is not one to overexert himself but if any horse gets near him they will hear the roar of his engine. This year he appears to have a fight on his hands against Grands Cru, who Timeform only rate 2lb inferior to Buck's after a very impressive course and distance win. I obviously respect him greatly but the ground would be an obvious concern for him. But if he beats us, then he beats us; he will have to be a top-class stayer to do that. though.

I also respect Mourad and Ruby says not to underestimate Fivefortthree, with Willie's stable in flying form. Actually, I suppose you could say I am in a no-lose situation going into this race; if we are beaten fair and square, perhaps Andy will let me prepare Big Buck's for the Gold Cup next season!

To read Paul's views of all his runners today, go to http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/paul-nicholls/