Leading trainer Paul Nicholls admits that David Pipe’s Grand Crus has given him something to think about ahead of Big Buck’s bid to win his third World Hurdle at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

Paddy Power is offering all new customers that sign up through Bettingpro, a free £100 bet on either Grand Crus or Big Buck's winning the 2011 Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Big Buck’s has won the last two renewals of the hurdle showpiece and the superstar is yet to be truly tested in his career over the smaller obstacles.

Pipe has already confirmed that Grand Crus is in fine form ahead of next month’s meeting and Nicholls explained:  "Big Buck's had a racecourse gallop with Denman on Sunday and he's bang on course for the World Hurdle.

"Grands Crus looks a good opponent, he's an interesting one, but there's no such thing as a two-horse race unless there are only two runners.

"You wouldn't know how good Big Buck's could be, really, but it's nice to have some good opposition and it should be a great race.

"You never know. If he doesn't win, then I can persuade Andy Stewart to go chasing next year, and if he does, then he can stick with the hurdles."