Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Oscar Whisky is almost certain to run in the 2012 World Hurdle at Cheltenham. (credit: Sleepless in Somerset)
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Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Oscar Whisky is almost certain to run in the 2012 World Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The 2011 Champion Hurdle third is
"99.9% certain" to run in the race according to the trainer and he explained:
"He's in very good form and is in one of the jumper bumpers at Kempton on Friday and I haven't ruled that one out yet.
"Trouble is I'm running out of options for him but he isn't a horse I'm desperate to have a run. He's 99.9% certain to go to the World Hurdle."
Oscar Whisky’s owner Dai Walters had hoped that the superstar would be in action in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on Saturday, but after the race was abandoned he could now head straight to Prestbury Park.
Walters explained: "It was disappointing the meeting had to be abandoned the other day. The reason we decided to have the Welsh Champion Hurdle in February was because it was a good stepping stone to Cheltenham.
“Our next Saturday meeting is on March 17, which is the same week at the Festival, so it won't work out the way we wanted.
"I've spoken to Nicky about where we could run Oscar Whisky. There is the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell but that is probably too close to Cheltenham. I think there's every chance he'll go straight to Cheltenham now and run in the three-mile race."
Walters is also hopeful that Oscar Whisky can provide a serious challenge to Big Buck’s domination in the World Hurdle. He continued: "Big Buck's is a great horse, but he hasn't had that many really good horses run against him," Walters added.
"It would be nice to win, but we know it's a difficult task and as we know with horses, anything can happen in the next few weeks. I think Oscar Whisky will stay three miles and I'm looking forward to it."
