tracked leader, not fluent 5th, led going well approaching last, not extended, easily
led, not fluent 7th, headed approaching last, weakened final 200 yards
held up, took kene hold, closed after 4th, not fluent 2 out, outpaced when jumped left and mistake last, weakened flat
held up, not always fluent, closed after 4th, pushed along 3 out, driven to chase winner approaching last, stayed on, no impression on easy winner
OSCAR WHISKY has to concede 8lb to his three rivals but should be capable of doing so if he has genuine Champion Hurdle pretensions. He had to be ridden out to hold off Get Me Out Of Here over C&D last time so the latter's run in the previous race should prove informative. Poungach is the likely danger as he's a lot less exposed than both Cockney Trucker and Drill Sergeant. The six-year-old is definitely on an upward curve judged on his comeback victory at Sandown, though a tactical race here might not suit.
Oscar Whisky (IRE) 4-9fav (11-6) Tracked leading pair, challenged between rivals before 2 out, led approaching last, ridden and hard pressed flat, stayed on well final 100 yards, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) gd in Dec beating Get Me Out Of Here (10-12) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.
Cockney Trucker (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 4th, headed approaching last, ridden and no impression with leading pair flat, 3rd of 5, 11l behind Oscar Whisky (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) gd in Dec.
Drill Sergeant 12-1 (10-9) Chased clear leading pair, dropped to 4th after 5th, still pressing leaders 2 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 13, 9l behind Brampour (10-8) at Ascot 2m Listed hcp hdl (1) gd in Oct.
Poungach (FR) 5-2fav (11-4) In touch main group, close up after 5th, went 2nd before 2 out, led between last 2, 6 clear when hit last, ridden and stayed on flat, won at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl (2) gs in Dec beating Cantlow (11-2) by 8l, 19 ran.