Geraghty expects better of Oscar

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, finishing fifth in the big race last season, and he went down only narrowly in heavy ground to Reve De Sivola.