Owner Andy Stewart believes it is "highly unlikely" a dream clash between Big Buck's and star mare Quevega will happen.

The incredible Big Buck's barely came off the bridle when securing his 18th consecutive victory in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Saturday and he is already odds-on to win the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival for a remarkable fifth year on the bounce.

With challengers to his crown few and far between, some have suggested the Willie Mullins-trained Quevega should tackle the mighty stayer, but the champion trainer insisted on Sunday she would be bidding for a fifth successive Cheltenham win of her own in March in the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle. The only conceivable place the pair could meet is at the Punchestown Festival, but Stewart does not expect his pride and joy to making the end-of-season trip to Ireland.

Stewart said: "Like Willie has said, I think the only way they would meet is if Big Buck's changed sex! Ruby (Walsh) obviously rides Big Buck's and Quevega and I just don't think it will happen.

"Quevega is as good a staying mare as I have seen, but I think it's highly unlikely we would go to Punchestown.

"Willie has said Zaidpour could have a crack at Big Buck's after his good win in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, so we look forward to that. Big Buck's has won 18 races in a row now, certainly none of my other horses have come close to doing that, and we look forward to going to Ascot.

"I think it's unlikely he'll run in the Cleeve Hurdle in January, I don't think there's a lot to be gained by going there, so we'll get him right at his best to try to win a fifth Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Festival. After that we'll look at Aintree, but the dates are compressed this season, so we'll have to see."

Reflecting on Saturday's Newbury romp for Big Buck's, the owner said: "The only thing I would say is that he probably didn't beat a lot, but Ruby was very happy with him and said he never came out of second gear.

"It was a nice comeback for him, he obviously wasn't fully revved up, and that should hopefully leave him spot-on for Ascot on December 22."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests