BBC Radio 5 live

Former jockey Luke Harvey: "Big Buck's looks like he's out for a Sunday afternoon hack. Annie Power is getting a little revved up."

Jake Parker:, external Come on Big Buck's!

Big Buck's is in "seriously good order", according to trainer Paul Nicholls in an interview earlier this week.

"He had a good gallop at Exeter the other day and he's schooled well," said Nicholls. "I'm very happy with him and the one thing he'll enjoy is the drying ground. All his best wins have been on good or good to soft, so the omens are good with the weather, he looks great and I'm very much looking forward to the challenge of the race."

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Annie Power parading before the World Hurdle at Cheltenham:

Cornelius Lysaght
BBC horse racing correspondent at Cheltenham for BBC Radio 5 live

"I wonder who the sun will shine on. The bookies say Annie Power has been backed as though she has won already."

John Inverdale
BBC Radio 5 live presenter at Cheltenham for BBC Radio 5 live

"Suddenly in time for the big race the sun has come out."

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport at Cheltenham

Big Buck's parading before World Hurdle at Cheltenham:

Of course, Salubrious and Zarkandar have also tasted success at Cheltenham in the past too. It's a fascinating field.

What of the contenders? Well, it's a high-quality field and punters should not rule out More Of That, At Fishers Cross and Rule The World.

Amanda from Swindon: Name association worked yesterday as a strategy. First lorry I saw at the course was Nigel Hawkes racing. Because of this backed the only horse on the card with hawk in the name at 33-1.

What about Annie Power then? The six-year-old, who will be saddled by Ruby Walsh, has a perfect record of 10 starts and 10 wins. The World Hurdle will be her sternest test yet - but one she is expected to pass with flying colours.

Big Buck's has seen it all before in the World Hurdle. He's won it before too, four times in fact. He was only denied a fifth successive title when he missed last year's Festival through injury. He made his return at Cheltenham in January and finished third behind Knockara Beau and At Fishers Cross. Is the 11-year-old's star fading, or will it burn brightly at his spiritual home once again?

The main event, of course, being the World Hurdle showdown between Big Buck's and Annie Power. It's perhaps the most eagerly-anticipated race of the entire meeting.

Right then. We've gorged ourselves on the starters, you ready for the main course?

Ever wondered how many pints of Guinness are supped at Cheltenham? What about the number of sticky toffee puddings? Wonder now more. Here are some fascinating food and drink facts from the Festival:

236,472 - The number of pints of Guinness knocked back by spectators at The Festival in 2013.

45,000 - The number of bread rolls eaten at The Festival in 2013.

10,745 - The number of bottles of house Champagne sold at The Festival.

8,000 - The number of sticky toffee puddings eaten during The Festival.

I'm hungry (and thirsty) just thinking about it.

BBC Radio 5 live

Dynaste's winning jockey Tom Scudamore: "I'm a bit more in control this time, mentally and physically. It was a great team effort."

Image source, PA

Peter Scudamore
Former champion jockey on BBC Radio 5 live at Cheltenham

"It's funny as a father giving an unbiased opinion but I thought it was a fantastic ride. Even if he got beat I would have said to him he rides Cheltenham fantastically. You want to be just behind the pace and Tom was in that place. He flew the last two."

Andrew Thornton
Jump jockey on BBC Radio 5 live at Cheltenham

"It was a perfect ride by Tom Scudamore; he wanted to leave it late, knowing Dynaste would have a turn of foot. Winning the Arkel has helped Tom become more relaxed."

1. Dynaste (T Scudamore) 3-1 Fav

2. Hidden Cyclone (Andrew J McNamara) 10-1

3. Rajdhani Express (Mr S Waley-Cohen) 18-1

4. Hunt Ball

What a superb ride from Tom Scudamore on Dynaste. He knew when to make his move and reeled in Hidden Cyclone before powering away to a commanding victory.