Select sextet for Aintree
Last season's one-two Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars head a small but select field for Saturday's John Smith's Aintree Hurdle.
Last Updated: 12/04/12 11:53am
Oscar Whisky and Thousand Stars, who contested the finish to last season's John Smith's Aintree Hurdle, are set to do battle again over two and a half miles on Saturday.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Oscar Whisky got the verdict by a neck over Willie Mullins' runner when just holding on for victory in the Grade One last April.
Thousand Stars gained revenge of sorts in this season's Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival when finishing one place and a length and a half in front of his old rival when fourth to Big Buck's.
However, these two are unlikely to have things all their own way as the field of six horses declared includes Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby.
Noel Fehily, who partnered the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old at Cheltenham, will again be in the saddle. Nicholls' stable jockey Ruby Walsh will be aboard Zarkandar, who was fifth in the Champion.
Saphir River and Third Intention complete the sextet. Overturn was the only withdrawal at the 48-hour final declaration stage.