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Champion hurdler Big Buck's will face seven rivals at Aintree on Thursday as he goes in search of an incredible 17th win in a row.

With Paul Nicholls in a fight to keep his champion trainers' crown, another victory for the nine-year-old would come in very handy.

Nicholls also runs the lightly-raced Poungach, last seen chasing home Oscar Whisky at Cheltenham in January as well as the enigmatic Tidal Bay.

Alan King's Smad Place seems to be the only serious rival for Big Buck's.

The grey ran a career-best behind Big Buck's in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, finishing just over eight lengths back in third.

He will need to improve again at a track where, in the past, Big Buck's has arguably looked better than at Cheltenham.

Crack Away Jack has his first start for Tom George, Restless Harry runs for Robin Dickin, while Sabrina Harty's Won In The Dark is the sole Irish challenger.

The Donald McCain-trained Across The Bay completes the field.