David Pipe claims Grand Crus (9/4 to win 2011 World Hurdle) is the “most exciting horse” he has ever taken to the Cheltenham Festival and has high hopes for his charge.

The six-year-old has been talked up as a major challenger to Big Bucks in this year’s Ladbrokes World Hurdle, after winning his last three races.

After back-to-back successes in November, at Cheltenham and Haydock, the grey then tore apart the field in the Cleeve Hurdle and winning the Prestbury Park race by 10 lengths.

Despite Big Buck’s being the strong favourite (8/11) to win the race for a third year, Pipe, whose Kazzene is 20/1 to win the Triumph Hurdle, believes his horse is ready to step up to Grade One action.

The trainer said: “Horses like Grands Crus don’t come around very often. It’s like he gets tunnel vision on the track. We may tow Big Buck’s to the last hurdle, or all the way to the line. It’s certainly added some spice to the race.”

The World Hurdle will take place on Thursday March 17 - the third day of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.