Binocular defends Christmas crown
Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old beat Overturn by nearly four lengths in the rearranged event in January, but Donald McCain’s admirable dual purpose performer turned those tables in no uncertain terms in the Fighting Fifth at Newbury.
Overturn has been riding the crest of a wave since the corresponding race last season, winning the Chester Cup on the level, the Scottish Summer Champion Hurdle at Perth, the Ascot Hurdle and the Fighting Fifth.
His latest start saw him attempt to give Binocular’s progressive stablemate Grandouet 4lb when second in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham.
McCain’s stable jockey Jason Maguire is eagerly anticipating another bold show.
“I can’t wait for it. The ground is good to soft there and that should be fine,” he told At The Races.
“He’s been excellent all year and he keeps coming back for more and giving his all.
“He ran another cracker at Cheltenham and we’re hoping for a big run again.”
Rock On Ruby represents Paul Nicholls and will have plenty of supporters following the result of The Ladbroke last week.
On his seasonal return he had Raya Star, who was receiving 13lb, over 10 lengths behind him in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury, while he was beaten just a short head by First Lieutenant at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Nicholls also runs Sanctuaire, the mount of Daryl Jacob.
Clerk’s Choice, sixth in the Champion Hurdle, has his second start for Oliver Sherwood.
The two withdrawals were McCain’s Drill Sergeant and Tom George’s Olofi who will now wait for Newbury on New Year’s Eve.
George tweeted: “Olofi will not run Christmas Hurdle needs another week will run Newbury 31 Dec.”
McCain also feels the ground is crucial for Overturn to be seen at his best, but he is happy with current conditions at Kempton.
