Master versus apprentice in what's set to be a fantastic showdown and it's impossible to oppose the champion so BIG BUCK'S gets the vote from Diamond Harry and Karabak. Paul Nicholls' gelding has now won five hurdles races on the trot since unseating Sam Thomas in last season's Hennessy and how connections will now be grateful for that mishap as their horse went on to land the World Hurdle at Cheltenham back in March. That victory over Punchestowns confirmed the six-year-old as the new king of staying hurdlers and a seven length success at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance did nothing to lower that deserved reputation. With the trip and ground absolutely ideal and the likes of Lough Derg and Kay Aramis set to make this a good test the champion trainer should be celebrating yet another winning Saturday. If there is to be a shock then Diamond Harry looks best placed to provide it, Nick Williams' stable star having comfortably carried top weight to victory on his comeback run at Haydock. Visually that performance surely ranks as one of the most impressive handicap successes of the season so far and it enhanced connections' hopes that their gelding can graduate to the top level, although there is no tougher test than taking on the favourite here and it will ask a very big question of this horse whose only defeat so far came at the Festival when no match for Mikael D'Haguenet. The feeling though is that this will prove a step too far; winning a handicap comfortably is still a world away from beating the best staying hurdler around and one who has the potential to dominate the division for a few seasons yet. Best of the rest might be Karabak who proved no match for Champion Hurdle favourite Zaynar on his seasonal debut but should improve for stepping beyond three miles here. There is some reason to believe that the JP McManus owned gelding is value to finish ahead of Diamond Harry as when they met at Cheltenham when Alan King's horse had almost four lengths to spare over his rival when second to the Mullins star. However, we feel that perhaps Nick Williams' horse wasn't quite at his best that day and of the two his reappearance promised more although there shouldn't be as much between them as the market might imply. Lough Derg was as brave as ever when taking second behind our selection last time and you can never rule out David Pipe's stalwart, particularly as he likes it around Ascot and is certain to give it his best shot. If ever he is to beat Big Buck's then it would probably have to be here but that remains unlikely so he is passed over today and of more appeal is Fair Along who could run into a place with his stable going well. Rhys Flint gets on well with the seven-year-old who has plenty of smart form in the book including when a comfortable winner last time but he is taking on the best of the best here and may find victory out of reach. Whiteoak bounced back to form last time and the mare has always been highly regarded by her in-form stable although she has plenty to do on the figures, Sentry Duty goes well fresh but doesn't appeal as a stayer whilst Katchit remains short of his best form and still has to prove this sort of trip is what he wants. The rest are solid handicappers at best so this excellent Grade One can go to the champion, Big Buck's.
Big Buck's (FR) 2-5fav (11-8) Tracked leading pair, went 2nd going well before 3 out, led on bit approaching last and slight peck, hard held, won at Newbury 3m hdl G2 (1) gs in Nov beating Lough Derg (11-8) by 7l, 7 ran.
Diamond Harry 9-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders and keen, led 3 out, clear approaching 2 out, comfortably, won at Haydock 3m 1f listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Nov beating Burton Port (10-11) by 2 1/2l, 16 ran.
Fair Along (GER) 3-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, led before 9th, made rest, clear 2 out, driven out comfortably, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hdl G2 (1) gd in Oct beating Pettifour (11-8) by 18l, 6 ran.
Karabak (FR) 9-4fav (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway before 4 out, tracked winner 2 out, soon ridden to challenge, weakened after last, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Zaynar (11-4) at Ascot 2m 3f hdl G2 (1) gd in Nov.
Katchit (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Mid-division, mistake 7th, chased leaders after 3 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 8, 26l behind Zaynar (11-4) at Ascot 2m 3f hdl G2 (1) gd in Nov.
Kayf Aramis 12-1 (11-4) Pressed leader, led 8th, strongly pressed when hit 2 out, kept on gamely and held narrow advantage until headed last, not quicken and lost 2nd flat, kept on trying, 3rd of 15, 2 1/2l behind Time For Rupert (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m Handicap Hurdle (0-155) (4yo+) (2) sft.
Lough Derg (FR) 16-1 (11-8) Soon led, ridden approaching 3 out, headed before last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Big Buck's (11-8) at Newbury 3m hdl G2 (1) gs in Nov.
Sentry Duty (FR) 13-2 (11-5) Mid-division, headway 3 out, soon ridden, 4th and no impression when blundered last, weakened flat, 8th of 14, 7l behind Noble Alan (10-5) at Ayr 2m hcp hdl Gr2 (1) gd in Apr.
Viper 11-4fav (11-5) Led and soon clear, 30 lengths clear 4 out, unextended, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Dec '08 beating Kyber (9-7) by 10l, 15 ran.
Sweetheart 28-1 (10-13) In rear, soon pushed along, some headway from 3 out, never dangerous, 9th of 21, 33l behind Time For Rupert (10-10) at Aintree 3m Listed hcp hdl (1) gd in Apr.
Whiteoak (IRE) 6-4fav (10-12) Held up in rear, smooth headway after 3 out, led after next, driven clear, easier finish, impressive, won at Kempton 3m mrs lst hdl (1) gs in Nov beating Amber Brook (10-12) by 7l, 5 ran.
