Cheltenham: World Hurdle

the World Hurdle, previously known as the Stayers Hurdle and now sponsored by bookmakers Ladbrokes, is today´s top feature at Cheltenham. The 3 mile race at 16.20 has attracted 14 runners, but only four of them can be given a serious chance, headed by French raider Kasbah Bliss (Francois Doumen/ Christophe Pieux). Doumen knows what is required to win here, having sent Baracouda to win this twice and Kasbah Bliss, runner-up last year to the top-class Inglis Drever and a group winner on the flat since, looks every bit as good. He was most impressive when winning last time at Haydock and is clearly the one to beat here.In the dress rehearsal for this event, Big Bucks (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) ran out a convincing winner from Punchestowns (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) with German-bred Fair Along third and Tazbah fifth. POunchestwns is now 8 lbs better off and can finished in front of Big Bucks this time, while the other two can also be involved in the fight for the places. It would be a major surprise if anything else gets involved.