Top class Aintree Hurdle in prospect Tony McCoy will ride Oscar Whisky as he bids to win the John Smith's Aintree Hurdle on Thursday for the third successive season. The eight-year-old is looking to bounce back after a rare below-par run when sent off favourite for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham. Barry Geraghty prefers Grandouet of the Nicky Henderson pair with Binocular missing from the final line-up. A star-studded field of nine includes Stan James Champion Hurdle third and fourth Countrywide Flame and Zarkandar, the latter wearing blinkers for the first time. Ruby Walsh rides Zarkandar with Daryl Jacob aboard stablemate Prospect Wells. Brilliant novice hurdler The New One represents Sam and Nigel Twiston-Davies and Raya Star, Saphir River and Thousand Stars complete the field.
