Binocular focused on Champion test

This has traditionally been the time of year when Binocular causes Nicky Henderson a major problem, but the trainer believes his troublesome gelding could just be in the shape to redeem himself in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

Exactly two years ago Binocular was reported an unlikely starter as he was suffering from a muscular problem, only to later be able to start, and capture, Cheltenham’s two-mile championship.

The following season he was ruled out for definite when a prohibited substance used to treat an allergy would still be in his system at the Festival, so he skipped the race and instead suffered heavy defeats to stablemate Oscar Whisky at Aintree, and to Champion hero Hurricane Fly at Punchestown.