Nicky Henderson-trained duo Oscar Whisky and Darlan feature among eight confirmations for the Coral Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

The Grade Two contest was reopened for 24 hours on Monday and Oscar Whisky is undoubtedly the star name among the potential runners. The seven-year-old has won 11 times from 15 career starts and was last seen successfully defending his crown in the Grade One Aintree Hurdle in April.

His stablemate Darlan has been left in having missed Sunday's Racing Post Hurdle at Cheltenham on account of the testing ground, but the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on December 1 is his likely target.

Oscar Whisky is set to share top-weight with Jonjo O'Neill's Get Me Out Of Here, who made a winning return at Kempton a month ago.

The second home that day, Paul Nicholls' Brampour, may renew rivalries this weekend.

Alan King could saddle Raya Star, who impressed on his seasonal comeback at Ascot three weeks ago, while Lamb Or Cod could be set for a jump in class having won Chepstow's Silver Trophy on his debut for the Philip Hobbs yard.

The field is completed by Paul Webber's talented mare Alasi and Stuart Crawford's potential Irish challenger Now This Is It.

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