18th Dec 2012 | Horse Racing
Antepost Shake Up As Nicholls Pair Injured
The Paul Nicholls trained Big Buck’s and Al Ferof are out for the season after both suffered tendon injuries.
The World Hurdle market was blown wide open after Paul Nicholls reported that Big Buck’s was likely to be out for the rest of the season with injury. Odds-on to win the race for a fifth time, he was considered one of the bankers of the Festival.
The layers have installed Quevega as the 5/1 (Bet365) favourite for the race, a four-time Cheltenham winner herself. Oscar Whisky is 7/1 (Skybet) in the betting, with trainer Nicky Henderson still confident he can get the 3m trip.
There was further bad luck for the Ditcheat yard with news that Paddy Power winner Al Ferof is to miss the rest of the season with injury. Formerly an 11/2 chance for the King George, his removal from the market sees Long Run shorten to 11/4, with Cue Card 9/2 (both Bet365) for Kempton’s Christmas showpiece.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 10:55 18th Dec, 2012 but subject to change
