Straight to Cheltenham for Binocular

Binocular will bypass the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso tomorrow and instead head straight for next month’s Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The 2010 Champion Hurdle winner has not been seen since landing his second Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, and trainer Nicky Henderson had been hoping to give his charge one more run before the Festival.

But with an intended run at Sandown earlier this month scuppered by frost and options now running out, connections have decided to complete the gelding’s Cheltenham preparations at home.