Whisky beats Charm at Cheltenham

Nicky Henderson can start directing Oscar Whisky towards the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Festival meeting in March after watching the star hurdler get off the mark over fences at Cheltenham.

As good a hurdler as there is at two and a half miles, Dai Walters' gelding is sticking to the same distance at the larger obstacles but suffered a defeat to Taquin Du Seuil in a tactical event at this course last month.

Sent off the 4-5 favourite for the Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices' Chase, Oscar Whisky did jump right at many of the fences and was challenged strongly by Wonderful Charm, who struggled to concede 8lb and was beaten half a length.

"I've never seen him look so well - he looks more like a show horse than a racehorse," said Henderson.

"He jumped well, yes he was going to the right a bit, but he loves it round here. There's a good programme over two and a half now, and I suppose he could come back here for the Dipper (New Year's Day)."

Wonderful Charm's jockey Daryl Jacob said: "It's asking a lot to give weight to a horse like Oscar Whisky, but he has lost nothing in defeat."