Binocular sights set firmly on Cheltenham

Binocular is sure to be a warm order for the Champion Hurdle in March after an effortless victory in the rearranged Boylesports.com International Hurdle at Ascot.

Tony McCoy oozed confidence on Nicky Henderson’s four-year-old and the result was never in any doubt.

Celestial Halo set a strong gallop that had everything else in trouble a long way out but McCoy never panicked, let out an inch of rein at the second-last and won on the bridle.

Despite there being only five runners, the race formerly known as the Bula looked set to be the most informative of the season so far.

Ruby Walsh set a searching pace on Triumph Hurdle winner Celestial Halo, while the others including Katchit, Crack Away Jack and Chomba Womba, were content to sit at least 10 lengths off the pace.

They all closed up half a mile out before Walsh kicked on again and soon had all bar Binocular pushing along.

However, McCoy still had plenty of horse underneath him and the champion jockey did not have to get serious to push the even-money favourite out for a four and a half length success.

Victor Chandler reacted with an immediate quote of 5-4 from 7-2 for the Champion in March. William Hill are a shade bigger at 6-4 from the same price.

McCoy said: “That was a real top-class performance because the second got an unbelievably good ride. Looking up down Swinley Bottom I was more worried about him than anything else.

“He didn’t surprise me winning like he has. He is going the right way, at this stage of his career he is as exciting as they come.

“I definitely wouldn’t be wanting to let anyone else ride him, that’s for sure. I’m delighted for the owner (JP McManus), he deserves it.”