Of the 46 entries announced today, Big Buck's heads the market at 4/7 for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, which this year will take place on St Patrick's Day.
Ladbrokes are still offering money back for non runners in all the championship races at the Cheltenham Festival. Register with the firm using bonus code FB25 to get a free £25 on any race at the meeting.
A dual winner of the race already, the eight year old will attempt to make history by being the first horse ever to win the three-mile championship race for three consecutive years running.
Hayley O'Connor of Ladbrokes explained to Bettingpro: "We think Big Bucks could make history this year in The Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Should he win the race he could prove himself to be the best staying hurdler of our time."
Inglis Drever was the last horse to win the race three times, claiming victory in 2005, 2007 and 2008.
Paul Nicholls' charge may have tough competition from Nicky Henderson's trio of entries; Punchestowns, currently 8/1 second favourite, 2009's runner-up Oscar Whiskey at 10/1 and Triumph Hurdle winner Zaynar, available at 12/1 with the sponsors.
There are a record number of 15 Irish entries, with Willie Mullins represented by Fiveforthree, available at 20/1, Quevega, currently 10/1, Mourad priced at 12/1 and Mikael D'Haguenet on offer at 16/1, with Charles Byrnes' Solwhit also in the line up at 12/1.
O'Connor added: "If we had an Irish winner on Paddy's Day the celebrations would be huge and Mullins has a strong hand of entries this year."
Ladbrokes are still offering money back for non runners in all the championship races at the Cheltenham Festival.
Ladbrokes World Hurdle - Ladbrokes
3m, Cheltenham Festival, March 2011
4/7 Big Buck’s; 8/1 Punchestowns; 10/1 Grands Crus, Oscar Whisky, Quevega; 12/1 Mourad, Solwhit, Zaynar; 14/1 Karabak; 16/1 Bensalem, Mikael d’Haguenet; 20/1 Any Given Day, Fiveforthree, Khyber Kim, Luska Lad, Organisateur; 25/1 Ashkazar, Celestial Halo; 33/1 Cristal Bonus, Powerstation, Restless Harry, Shinrock Paddy, Souffleur, Thousand Stars, Walkon; 40/1 Fair Along, James de Vassy, Spirit River; 50/1 Arcalis, Barafundle, Berties Dream, Beshabar, Blackstairmountain, Catch Me, Duke of Lucca, Rigour Back Bob, Shalone; 66/1 Cross Kennon, Mobaasher, Rick; 100/1 Barwell Bridge, Highland Valley, Oscar Dan Dan; 150/1 Benbane Head; 200/1 Le Beau Bai, The Giant Bolster(1/4 odds 1,2,3)
