Binocular 'coming along nicely'

Binocular is reported to be pleasing connections as he nears to a return to action.

Last season’s Champion Hurdle third is on target to make his seasonal debut in either the WBX.COM ’Fighting Fifth’ Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday week or the Boylesports.com International at Cheltenham on December 12.

The five-year-old is the general 7-2 favourite for this season’s two-mile championship in the wake of Hurricane Fly’s defeat at the weekend.

“He’s a possible for the Fighting Fifth but it will more than likely be the Boylesports for him,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner J P McManus.

“He’s coming along nicely and Nicky (Henderson) is happy with him.”

The McManus-owned Don’t Push It showed he could be a force to be reckoned with in staying handicap chases when runner-up to Galant Nuit at Cheltenham on Saturday

However, there are no definite plans just yet for the Jonjo O’Neill-trained nine-year-old, who was giving the half-length winner 25lb.

“We were delighted with him, he ran a blinder. It was just a shade unfortunate he came up against one a little bit too good,” Berry went on.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with him and we’ll see in a few weeks where we go with him and where he slots in.”