The 2011 Cheltenham Festival is just five weeks away and jockey Tom Scudamore has assured punters that no stone will be left unturned ahead of Grand Crus’ bid to topple Big Buck’s in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

The grey will be out to prevent Paul Nicholls’ legendary stayer landing a hat-trick of victories in the Grade One showpiece and the bookies certainly believe that Big Buck’s could finally have a credible rival in the long distance hurdling division.

Leading Irish bookie Paddy Power (who are giving away free £100 bets on the Festival) continue to shorten the odds of Grand Crus spoiling Big Buck's party.  They make the star 5/2, while Paul Nicholls reigning champion is 4/5 after being as short as 4/7 a couple of weeks ago.

"I've been thinking about it every day, it was a very good performance and he's a progressive horse who has improved all the way through the season," said Scudamore of the victory in the Cleeve Hurdle.

"It's great to have a horse with a genuine chance in a championship race. That proved he was the second best staying hurdler in training - let's hope he proves he's the best on the Thursday at Cheltenham.

"As always before Cheltenham I'll have a sit down with David at Pond House and Martin Pipe as well and we'll come up with plans A, B and C and watch all the videos of previous races."