Sprinter Sacre is the real deal says Barry Geraghty

JOCKEY Barry Geraghty expressed his admiration for Racing Post Arkle Chase favourite Sprinter Sacre on Sunday, describing the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old as "the real deal".

Sprinter Sacre leapt to the head of the Racing Post Arkle market following his 16-length annihilation of Peddlers Cross in December and Geraghty was full of praise for Caroline Mould's exciting novice.

"He makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. He is the real deal. He's not amazing at home but when he's on the track he jumps, travels and does everything so easily," Geraghty said.

"He's not that keen in his races, we would have sat in behind Peddlers Cross at Kempton if he [Peddlers Cross] hadn't made a mistake at the first. He's very uncomplicated."

Geraghty also added that Oscar Whisky will pose a serious threat to Big Buck's should he face up against the triple Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner at Cheltenham next month.

Oscar Whisky continued his festival preparation with an easy victory on the Polytrack at Kempton on Friday and Geraghty, speaking on At The Races, added: "He felt well, very well. He couldn't have done a whole lot more and it was good to get him out.

"He stays well and I think he will get three miles. Big Buck's is the best stayer I've seen in my lifetime but hopefully we can beat him, we have to live in hope. We can't be afraid of him.

"Oscar Whisky is a high-class horse and hopefully we can lower his colours."

Owned by Dai Walters, Oscar Whisky is the general 9-2 second favourite for the World Hurdle and 12-1 for the Stan James Champion Hurdle.