Barry Geraghty believes Oscar Whisky was not at his best in the Cleeve Hurdle on Saturday, despite him proving his stamina over three miles.

Nicky Henderson's dual Aintree Hurdle winner has posed an ante-post conundrum for punters, with some believing he holds a lively chance in the Champion Hurdle and others thinking he is tailor-made for the World Hurdle.

Saturday's run was only the second time he has tackled the World Hurdle trip of three miles, after finishing fifth in the big race last season, and he went down only narrowly in heavy ground to Reve De Sivola. However, Geraghty did not feel comfortable at any stage, suggesting better can be expected in March.

"He never travelled with anywhere near the same zest as he has done his last few runs," Geraghty told At The Races.

"We beat Crack Away Jack 19 lengths the last day, yet he was on my tail the whole way and I could never shake him off. I don't think we saw the best of him, but I think he got the trip so the World Hurdle is a big option for him.

"At two and a half miles I wasn't going anywhere near as well as I should have been, or even at two miles.

"He might have more pace on better ground, but he's won on very soft ground - the ground isn't really an issue.

"I think Reve De Sivola is the one to beat in March, but he might be ground dependant."

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