DEFENDING champion Big Buck's looks unstoppable in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle tomorrow.

He has proved a cut above his rivals since reverting to hurdles, winning his last six races, and it would be one of the shocks of the Festival if he were beaten.

But odds of 8-13 reflect his chances and while he should win, most punters will probably prefer to look elsewhere for a bit of value.

At around 20-1, Time For Rupert fits the bill perfectly after stringing together a number of good performances for trainer Paul Webber.

The six-year-old showed useful form last season but has stepped up a level this term.

He needed the run and probably found the distance too short when he was beaten over two and a half miles at Ascot on his seasonal debut.

He showed the benefit of that outing when he showed tenacity and staying power to win over tomorrow's course and distance in December.

He stepped up on that effort again next time when finishing five lengths behind World Hurdle rival Tidal Bay on Festival Trials Day in January.

He is 4lb better off with Tidal Bay at the weights tomorrow and, while not certain to get his revenge, means he should finish closer to the odds-on favourite.

Still relatively young, Time For Rupert's best days are probably still ahead of him and he rates as a sporting bet in a wide-open race, Big Buck's apart.

The other feature race tomorrow, the Ryanair Chase, looks a cracking opportunity for Tranquil Sea to continue his successful season for trainer Edward O'Grady.

After two defeats at Cheltenham, both at the Festival, he made it third time lucky when storming clear over course and distance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November.

He ran well again to finish second in a Grade One at Leopardstown on his next run, before winning easily at the same track last time out.

With both speed and stamina in his armoury, he could take all the beating in what promises to be fiercely competitive race.