Grade One-winning hurdler Oscar Whisky has had to dig deep to earn his first win at the top level over the steeplechase fences at Sandown.

Sent off the 1-6 favourite against just a couple of rivals in Saturday's novices chase, he was put under pressure by Manyriverstocross and Barry Geraghty needed to chase his mount along to keep pace.

But Oscar Whisky managed to get the upper hand by the final fence to draw a slightly flattering nine lengths clear up the hill.

"It was hard work, we went very quick," Geraghty said.

"He was good at the last, he was very quick, and that made the difference, I delayed my challenge a little bit as he'd been sluggish through the race, there was no point getting involved too early.

"Cheltenham will be totally different. He has coped with soft ground but in top company he's better on good to soft."

William Hill eased Oscar Whisky to 10-1 from 8s for the Novices Chase at next month's Cheltenham Festival.

Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper had made a late decision to allow the meeting to take place .

"It was hard work but it was always going to be. They've done well to race," trainer Nicky Henderson said.

"While I would never run Bobs Worth or My Tent Or Yours on this you've just got to keep this horse going.

"That race will have been good for him and we are very much on schedule for Cheltenham. He loves the two and a half miles (4000m) round there."