Binocular heads Fighting field

TONY McCOY is hoping Binocular can kickstart the new campaign in the best possible way in the Stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.

The seven-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, was among seven horses confirmed for the Gosforth Park showpiece at the five-day stage.

The 16-times champion jockey felt the 2010 Champion Hurdle hero, owned by his boss JP McManus, was never at his best last term even though he did win two races.