The World Hurdle has become one of the favourite races at the Cheltenham Festival for armchair horse betting punters and for the past two years it has been dominated by the superb Big Bucks.

This year, however, punters should expect a serious challenge from the David Pipe-trained Grand Crus.

The huge grey is a quiet sort at home at the Pond House stables but when he hits the track he becomes a very different animal. With tunnel vision and a strong, unfaltering gallop, the horse is an impressive sight when viewed in full flight.

The potential of this smart horse was underlined by an imperious 10-length defeat of Knockara Beau, a very well regarded runner, in the Cheltenham Cleeve Hurdle. This followed two very good winning performances, which resulted in two solid wins.

The development of Grand Crus is seen by many as an indication of the growing powers of David Pipe.

The well-liked trainer has a number of horses in full preparation for a crack at Cheltenham honours including Sona Sasta for the National Hunt Chase and Chartreux for the Pertemps Final.

Notus De La Tour is a potential challenger for the Coral Cup and Mr Thriller looks an outside chance for the Jewson Novices� Chase.

With some powerful runners, the serious punter would do well to look at the Pipe stable for some real value in a very tricky renewal this year.