Binocular is more likely to have a racecourse gallop at Newbury than run in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday, despite appearing among the entries.

Binocular is more likely to have a racecourse gallop at Newbury than run in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday, despite appearing among the eight entries.

MY road to the festival was the M5.

Celestial Halo looks set for his first trip to Ireland after featuring among 12 entries for Sunday’s Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

DONALD McCain has given Whiteoak the green light to take her chance in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on Tuesday rather than the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle on the same card.

Lemon Silk was added to the reopened Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday.

Timmy Murphy steps in for the injured Tony McCoy as Straw Bear faces another potential match-race with Afsoun in the totescoop6 Contenders Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

Nicky Henderson’s Champion Hurdle contender Afsoun is likely to have his prep race for Cheltenham in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday week.

Harchibald could have a prep race for the Cheltenham Festival on February 17 with the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran and the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton under consideration by trainer Noel Meade.

Rooster Booster’s owner Terry Warner still believes that his popular grey can make the frame in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle.

Jonjo O’Neill remains concerned over the well-being of some of his horses including his exciting prospect Rhinestone Cowboy.