Binocular fighting fit for return

BINOCULAR will get the chance to erase the memory of last year’s no-show when he lines up in the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury today.

The reigning champion hurdler looked set to spend the weekend in his stable at home after the cold weather claimed Newcastle’s card, but Newbury have stepped into the breach to provide the six-year-old with a perfect comeback opportunity.

Trainer Nicky Henderson was one of the most vocal in calling for a switch to the Berkshire track after snow put paid to events at Gosforth Park, and he is looking to his stable star to better last year’s bitterly disappointing fifth in the Grade One heat.