Jockey Barry Geraghty during the November Meeting at Ascot Racecourse.

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Jockey Barry Geraghty believes the step up to three miles will suit Oscar Whisky when he takes on Big Buck’s in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Oscar Whisky has won three times over two and a half miles at Cheltenham and looked in tip-top order for his clash with the triple World Hurdle winner when he rounded off his preparation for the Festival with a bloodless victory in a bumper at Kempton on Friday.

“He’s a horse that does so well over two and a half it makes more sense to go up in trip rather than go back in trip,” Geraghty said.

“Hopefully he can beat Big Buck’s – you have to live in hope. Big Buck’s is the best stayer we’ve had in my lifetime.

“He’s a very good horse and deserves all the respect in the world, but you have to be prepared to take him on.

“Oscar Whisky was third in the Champion Hurdle last year and seems to stay well, although he hasn’t run over three miles yet.

“He’s a high-class horse and I’d be hoping he can stay that trip and lower his colours.

“It was nice to get him out the other day and Nicky can train him now for the World Hurdle.”