Binocular keeps focus firmly on regaining crown

Six hurdlers have run up a sequence of successes in Cheltenham’s day one highlight, including Yorkshire icons Night Nurse and Sea Pigeon, but no deposed champion has bounced back since Fred Rimell’s hurdler added the 1975 renewal to his 1973 victory.

Binocular, owned by JP McManus and regularly ridden by AP McCoy, has a point to prove after missing last season’s race because of a medication mix-up at Nicky Henderson’s yard.

He is also not the easiest horse to train, despite winning Kempton’s Grade One Christmas Hurdle. Brilliant on his day, Binocular has often stretched the patience of McCoy, who has repeatedly said the horse will have to improve on his last outing if he is to regain his coveted title.

With pre-Festival options running out, Henderson now intends to bypass tomorrow’s Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso where he suffered a shock defeat with Zaynar in 2010 before the grey finished third in Cheltenham’s pre-eminent hurdles race.

Binocular has reportedly impressed many gallops observers and Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus, said yesterday: “He won’t be going to Kelso and he’ll go straight to Cheltenham now.

“Nicky is happy with him at the moment and doesn’t think it will be a problem. Hopefully, we have a trouble-free run and the horse gets there in top form.”

The Philip Hobbs-trained Menorah and Captain Chris are both back on track for Cheltenham after brushing up their jumping with guru Yogi Breisner.

The pair returned to Hobbs’s stables last week and have reportedly schooled well since ahead of Menorah’s tilt at the Arkle Trophy and Captain Chris at the Betfred Gold Cup or Ryanair Chase.

“Both have schooled with Richard Johnson and they schooled very well,” said Hobbs. “He’s schooled them on two occasions since they’ve been back and they’ve been careful which is good to start with.

“Yogi got them to think about what they were doing before. In Menorah’s case, it’s a good thing he’s slightly more careful. If he jumps well he must have a very good chance in the Arkle.”

Hobbs admitted he is not sure if Captain Chris will stay the three-and-a-quarter miles of the Gold Cup.

“He’s not going to Ascot on Saturday,” he added. “We probably want a bit more time, a bit more physio, and more schooling. Hopefully, we’ll get him back on track for Cheltenham. He won’t run before then. It’s very likely the Gold Cup for him, but possibly the Ryanair.”

While today’s card at Folkestone must pass an inspection, Newbury report no problems ahead of Friday’s rearranged fixture that should feature the reappearance of reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Long Run who, like Binocular, is trained by Henderson at nearby Lambourn.

Henderson has also entered the long-absentee Burton Port, while champion trainer Paul Nicholls is set to saddle both Tidal Bay and Sir Alex Ferguson’s What A Friend.

David Bridgwater could be represented by his stable star and recent Cheltenham winner The Giant Bolster, with Medermit set to tackle three miles for the first time for Alan King.

Henderson’s novice Sprinter Sacre heads a list of nine entries for the Betfair Super Saturday Chase. The six-year-old has won his two races over fences in spectacular fashion, elevating himself to ante-post favourite for the Racing Post Arkle Chase at Cheltenham.