Paul Nicholls has admitted that Big Buck’s is the most likely horse to add a Grade One success to his CV at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Big Buck’s is 8/13 with Paddy Power to land this year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle and he heads into the Festival unbeaten over timber.

"I am glad I didn't run him in the Cleeve Hurdle like last year as there was nothing to prove and he can go to Cheltenham nice and fresh,” Nicholls explained.

"He looks fantastic and I have been very, very happy with his progress.

"Tidal Bay impressed me the other day but if our fellow runs up to his best, then he will take the world of beating.

"Both Big Buck's and Master Minded have big chances and I would say Big Buck's is my most likely winner."

The trainer also admitted that he had high hopes for Celestial Halo in this year’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, despite his poor performance in the Irish equivalent last time out.

"He is just beginning to come to himself and always does great in the spring," added Nicholls.

"The key to him is decent ground and it was bottomless at Leopardstown last time.

"He loves Cheltenham and always runs well there. I think he has an outstanding chance in what looks an open race on paper.

"He has already schooled over fences and will make a smart novice chaser next season."

Bet365 are offering punters a remarkable £200 free bet when they sign up before this year’s Cheltenham Festival.