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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Oscar Whisky Bound For Champion Hurdle
07/02/11

Ffos Las supremo Dai Walters is keen to let his Oscar Whisky take his chance in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.

Oscar Whisky
© racing-images.co.uk

The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding won the Welsh Champion Hurdle on 'home soil' in little more than a canter on Saturday, which is fitting given that Williams owns the racecourse that he built from scratch.

"It was brilliant and the horse is fine, no problems at all. I've spoken to the yard and he's all right," said Walters. I think he'll go for the Champion Hurdle now. He can go for the three-mile World Hurdle next year. I'll leave it to Nicky. He knows more about it than I'll ever know. It's good to have a horse like him. That was only his seventh race and we are not going to ruin him. He'll only have two more runs this season or maybe only one. We'll see how it goes."

Keeping with the Welsh theme, Evan Williams looks to have a decent chance of a fruitful trip East when Russellstown Boy contests the staying chase at Lingfield (4.15). Although the 11-y-o is none too consistent, his Uttoxeter win in October makes him look well treated and he travelled nicely, despite eventually being well- beaten, at Folkestone last time. Been given a 5-week break and should be competitive on ground he handles and in this easier company.

Recommendation: Lingfield 4.15 – Russellstown Boy