Aintree Hurdle: Henderson hoping for better

Oscar Whisky looks for his third Aintree Hurdle

Nicky Henderson feels Oscar Whisky can put a baffling Cheltenham Festival performance behind him when he bids to win the Aintree Hurdle for the third successive year at the Liverpool track on Thursday...

The Seven Barrows trainer admitted he cannot understand why Oscar Whisky underperformed in the World Hurdle, but is confident the eight-year-old will be seen in his true colours back on Merseyside.

"He's won it twice, so why wouldn't he win it three times?" said Henderson.

"I'm not sure quite what happened at Cheltenham. He seems very bright and had been working well since then. This is his race and his track."

Henderson also saddles Grandouet, who appeared to be travelling well when he fell four out in the Champion Hurdle. As that was only Grandouet's second run of the season the trainer is confident there is more to come.

"He was travelling very well and he's a fresh horse, so I'd be very hopeful," he said.

Countrywide Flame kept on strongly to claim third place behind Hurricane Fly and Rock On Ruby in the Champion Hurdle and his trainer John Quinn has every reason to be optimistic of another good display.

"We were delighted with him at Cheltenham and he has come out of the race well," said the Malton trainer. 

"It's a very good race, but he likes the track and he's in good form, so I expect a good run out of him. He was second in the Cesarewitch over two mile two on the Flat and wasn't stopping."

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!