BARRY Geraghty believes Oscar Whisky could upstage the brilliant Big Buck's in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old, owned by Ffos Las boss Dai Walters, will be tackling three miles for the first time at Cheltenham next month, but has already shown himself to be a class act.

Third in last season's Champion Hurdle, he has won over Cheltenham's extended two-and-a-half-mile trip three times as well as the Grade One Aintree Hurdle over a similar distance last term.

He completed his public preparation for the festival with an easy victory in a jumpers' bumper at Kempton last week.

"It was nice to get him out the other day and Nicky can train him now for the World Hurdle," Geraghty said.

"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.

"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."

Oscar Whisky is second favourite for the World Hurdle, with Big Buck's an odds-on chance to land his fourth win in the race.