The remarkable Big Buck’s, whose winning sequence spans 15 wins, is set to raise the roof from the Cheltenham grandstand this afternoon if he can win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for a fourth successive year.

Trained by Paul Nicholls and the regular mount of Ruby Walsh, Big Buck’s meets a potentially dangerous rival in Oscar Whisky, but he is a difficult horse to oppose, given his flawless record since reverting to hurdling in recent seasons.

Winner of all his three races this season, Big Buck’s has looked as good as ever, a fact confirmed by his odds-on position in the ante-post market.

Oscar Whisky represents the Nicky Henderson stable, which is enjoying a memorable week, and looks a major threat. He is a very exciting recruit to the staying hurdle ranks. Last year's Champion Hurdle third has won his last three starts (including one on the Flat).

Oscar Whisky has to prove his stamina for this three miles, but if he stays, he has the ability to make a match of it with Big Buck’s. That said, Big Buck’s has yet to taste defeat in more than three years and he is expected to prevail yet again.

The Ryanair Chase looks a tricky contest to solve with Riverside Theatre, owned by well-known actor James Nesbitt, Irish raider Rubi Light and Albertas Run, who has won this race in the last two years, will all be popular choices. But then so too will Noble Prince, who has seemingly been campaigned all season with this race in mind.

The mount of Davy Russell, Paul Nolan’s gelding won the Jewson Novices’ Chase, run over this distance of two miles and five furlongs at this meeting last year. He has been placed in high-class contests over shorter distances since, and has acquited himself admirably. He promises to be hard to beat.

Donald McCain has already enjoyed an excellent meeting, courtesy of a win from Cinders And Ashes and a Champion Hurdle runner-up by Overturn.

The Cheshire trainer runs his highly-rated Peddlers Cross in the Jewson Novices’ Chase, but last season’s Champion Hurdle second may have to settle for a supporting role behind For Non Stop, trained by Nick Williams.

The mount of Noel Fehily, who won Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle on Rock On Ruby, For Non Stop took time to come to himself over fences, but his win at Sandown last month was a rock-solid effort. This two miles and five furlongs looks tailor-made for him.

David Pipe can bounce back with Salut Flo in the Byrne Group Plate Handicap Chase.

Having missed the whole of last season, the previously high-class Salut Flo returned to action with a promising effort on this course in December, only weakening out of contention after blundering at the third-last fence. Purposely put by for a crack at this Festival he deserves plenty of respect.

Dermot Weld is a shrewd operator under both codes and his Prince Erik is awarded the nap vote in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final.

The eight-year-old has yet to get his head in front this season, but has shown signs he retains ability and it is worth remembering he finished second in this race a couple of years ago. He is even more favourably rated now.

Racing selections

Cheltenham (today)

1.30 For Non Stop, 2.05 Prince Erik (NAP), 2.40 Noble Prince, 3.20 Big Buck’s, 4.00 Salut Flo, 4.40 Mostly Bob.

Today’s other meetings

Hexham, Towcester and Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton (tomorrow)

5.50 Black Coffee, 6.20 Moataz, 6.50 Mayan Flight, 7.20 Caboodle, 7.50 Kool Shuffle, 8.20 Nacho Libre, 8.50 Rasheed, 9.20 Cwmni.

Tomorrow’s other meetings

Cheltenham, Fakenham and Lingfield.