Diamond Harry on display for Ascot showdown

Sparkling form: Diamond Harry on his way to an impressive win at Haydock last month

13 April 2012

A mouth Watering clash of the staying hurdle titans is on the cards as trainer Nick Williams today confirmed that Diamond Harry will meet Big Buck's in the BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.

The duo are among 16 entries for the 3m1f Grade 1 on 19 December and connections are champing at the bit in anticipation of what promises to be a dress rehearsal for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

The pair could also be joined by David Pipe's Ascot specialist Lough Derg, who landed the race in 2007.

Diamond Harry won four novice hurdles last season before finishing third to Mikael D'Haguenet in the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

The six-year-old was expected to go novice chasing, but was so impressive over hurdles on his return at Haydock last month that connections of Big Buck's now believe he is the main danger to wrest the World Hurdle crown from the Paul Nicholls-trained champion.

Williams said: "We intend to run at Ascot and take on Big Buck's. It has always been the plan since he won at Haydock. Whether he can win or not, I don't know, but we don't enter horses unless we think they can win."

The sponsors make Big Buck's 5-4 favourite to retain his title, following an impressive victory in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last Saturday.

Diamond Harry is next best at 6-1 and Williams, who has just 16 horses in his care, said: "I really don't know what the long-term goal is, but the bookmakers make him a relatively short price for a race that is four months away.

"What we are hoping for is a natural progression and it should be a good race at Ascot."

Andy Stewart, who owns Big Buck's, is also relishing the prospect of the pre-Christmas cracker.

He said: "We're pleased with Big Buck's and the fact that a good horse like Diamond Harry is taking us on at Ascot can only be good for the sport."

Ladbrokes World Hurdle (sponsor's odds): 5-4 Big Buck's, 6 Diamond Harry, 10 Mr Thriller, 12 Karabak, 14 Whiteoak, Katchit, 16 Lie Forrit, 20 others.

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