Whisky set to shine at Cheltenham Oscar Whisky bids to further enhance his growing reputation in today's Cheltenham & Three Counties Club Hurdle at Prestbury Park. The Dai Walters-owned starlet is prominent in the betting for the StanJames.com Champion Hurdle and Ladbrokes World Hurdle following his victory in the Relkeel Hurdle, also at Cheltenham, three weeks ago. This contest is over an extended two and a half miles, after which connections of the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding might be in a position to decide whether to go down or up in trip at the Festival. "It looks a good opportunity for him and we'll get this out of the way before we make any plans for the rest of the season," said Walters. Paul Nicholls is giving Poungach the chance to prove himself in stronger company after taking a big hike in the weights due to a convincing win in a handicap hurdle at Sandown four weeks ago. "I couldn't believe he went up 18lb for winning last time so I'm certainly not going to run him in a handicap," said the Ditcheat trainer. "Obviously we are taking on Oscar Whisky, who is a very good horse, and I guess this will tell us where we are."
