61 ENTRIES FOR THE LADBROKES WORLD HURDLE - BUT IS THE RECORD NUMBER BECAUSE OF BIG BUCK'S?

A RECORD number of entries for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle has been received - a possible link between the departure of Big Buck's this season.

With a total of 61 entries, the field has been left wide open this year as the Paul Nicholls' wonder will not be taking part in the Cheltenham Festival race after sustaining an injury.

Four-time champion Big Buck's has, and always will be, a superstar to watch. But now after his shock departure from the season, I think other trainers have jumped in for a possibility of success.

At least now they know they'll be in for a chance!

Tidal Bay leads the way for Nicholls and is one of a team of six for the Ditcheat trainer - Wonderful Charm and Kauto Stone are also included.

If a Nicholls' horse does win, it will be the fifth consecutive World Hurdle for the yard.

However, I am a fan of Oscar Whisky - I have seen him around the Cheltenham track many times and have always admired watching him. He is definitely a class act and Nicky Henderson may be on to a winner with his entry.

Oscar Whisky is one of seven entries for Henderson and he has raced very well this season.

He always seems to have buzz about him and compared to other Henderson/Nicholls greats, Oscar Whisky, I think, is a dark horse (excuse the pun!)

It is a shame Big Buck's cannot take part but I still believe the World Hurdle will be fantastic to watch at the Festival.

Having a different winner will not hide Big Buck's achievements, but now the contest has opened up I think it will be refreshing to see another champion pass the post.

IT'S ANYONE'S GAME NOW - BIG BUCK'S DEPARTURE FROM WORLD HURDLE LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR OTHER CONTENDERS

FOLLOWING Big Buck's shock departure from the remainder of the season, Quevega is now favourite to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

The four-time Cheltenham Festival winner is leading the pack despite connections often training her for the Grade 2 mares' race.

Bookmakers were thrown into uncertainty when Big Buck's was pulled out of the hurdle after sustaining a tendon injury - but who can benefit from the situation?

Quevega has definitely caused a debate among racing fans. Her win the last year's mares' hurdle was good but if she was to repeat the performance it would certainly not be enough to win the World Hurdle.

Nevertheless she is always up for a challenge and trainer Willie Mullins knows he has a capable mare on his hands that could give him bigger titles.

Tidal Bay is also thrown into the mix and it was interesting to see Paul Nicholls mention him within hours of breaking the news of Big Buck's departure.

He is a consistent horse around the Cheltenham track and it wouldn't surprise me if pulled off a stunning performance in the hurdle.

He has really improved this season: his competitive long-distance hurdle at Wetherby was fantastic and plenty of confidence was also seen in the Hennessy.

But I personally believe Oscar Whisky will shine in the hurdle. After watching him at Cheltenham races last weekend, it is clear the horse oozes confidence around the track.

Nicky Henderson has got a trick up his sleeve - and it is in the form of Oscar Whisky. I know Big Buck's departure has disappointed many, but it has opened a door for those who wouldn't have been in the reckoning.

After all, is that a bad thing?

Despite Oscar Whisky's flop in last year's race, Henderson is still backing his champion and why wouldn't he? The horse has previously charged up Cheltenham hill four times to victory and if he holds his nerve in the World Hurdle I think he can pull off a tremendous win.

The market is fresh and even though Big Buck's will be missed in the World Hurdle, I am excited to see who else will finish on top.