Big Buck’s faces five rivals as he bids for his 15th straight win in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Andy Stewart-owned legend has never looked back since unseating his jockey in the 2008 Hennessy, and has been victorious in the last three World Hurdles. He looked as good as ever when winning the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot last time out.

Big Buck’s will be taken on by Mourad, Restless Harry, Dynaste, Across The Bay and Five Dream.

Stewart said: “You never know what will happen, and one day he will get beaten.

“At Ascot he looked better than ever. There was a moment three out where Ruby (Walsh) was careful, but after that it was a formality.

“Dynaste was the second best horse in the race that day. If he’d been ridden differently he’d have finished second. I’m sure they’ll ride him with a bit more patience this time – although he’s no Grands Crus.”

Dynaste’s trainer David Pipe added: “I thought he ran well last time. The way we rode him that day probably cost us second place.

“Plenty of bubbles get burst before March, so it’s just about keeping them in one piece.”

Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins is not even contemplating beating Big Buck’s and is making the trip over with Mourad in the hope of some prize-money.

His nephew Danny, now in England working for Alan King, comes in for the ride.

Mullins said: “He’s in good form and he’s the second best horse in the race on ratings.

“Dynaste is slightly better in than us at the weights, so we’ll see which way it goes. Hopefully we can finish second or third.”