Henderson happy with Binocular ahead of Fighting Fifth bid

NICKY HENDERSON is much happier with Binocular ahead of his run in the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle than he was at this stage 12 months ago. On that occasion, the 5-6 favourite for the Newcastle feature but could finish only fifth behind Go Native.

It was the start of a frustrating spell for the JP McManus-owned Binocular, who only recaptured his best form when beating Khyber Kim in the Champion Hurdle in March.

“I’m happier with him now than I was last year, but that’s not to say something was obviously amiss back then,” said the trainer. “I wasn’t that confident going to Newcastle last year and I wouldn’t be again - it’s a very good race, as it should be, with Peddlers Cross and Starluck in there - but Binocular is in very good form.