Henderson wary of Khyber Kim threat

Nicky Henderson is fearful of the challenge posed by his former inmate Khyber Kim in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle – despite playing a three-strong hand tomorrow with Punjabi, Zaynar and Binocular.

Khyber Kim was stabled at Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard during his novice campaign in 2007-8 but has spent the last season and a half with Nigel Twiston-Davies.

And the eight-year-old has proved a revelation in his two most recent starts by claiming the scalps of the reopposing Medermit, Punjabi and Celestial Halo over course and distance.

Henderson said: “Khyber Kim is the horse I am most afraid of. I used to have him as a novice and I remember Mick Fitzgerald said at the time the horse could win a Champion Hurdle and an Ascot Gold Cup as he is that good.”

Khyber Kim is a general 8-1 chance to prevail, while last year’s Champion Hurdle winner Punjabi is just a point shorter after proving his well-being at Kempton last month.

“Punjabi might lack sex appeal, but he has won the race before and wears a crown that says Champion Hurdle on it,” said Henderson.

“Last year he was thumped in the Kingwell coming into the race, whereas this time he could not have had a better prep.

“He had a nice little race framed for him at Kempton where he did it well and looked good.”

Barry Geraghty remains loyal to Punjabi, with Andrew Tinkler aboard last year’s Triumph Hurdle winner Zaynar, who was turned over at long odds-on in his warm-up for the Festival.

Henderson said: “He was beaten at 1-14 at Kelso but he hated the ground that day and was in need of the run.

“It wasn’t an ideal preparation, but I am glad we ran him and I have been happy with him at home since.”

Binocular was touched off by a neck and a head from Punjabi and Celestial Halo 12 months ago, and was ruled out of this year’s renewal at the end of February.

However, a series of veterinary tests found nothing wrong and the JP McManus-owned six-year-old came back into the frame when working under Tony McCoy last week.

“We have had a funny time with Binocular. I said he wasn’t going to run and he went on his travels but is back now and the key to him is his hurdling,” explained Henderson.

“He won easily at Sandown the last time, but everyone knew that both AP (McCoy) and I were not happy with him as his jumping was all wrong.

“He schooled 12 hurdles last Wednesday and he looked like the old Binocular, he was very, very quick – like an Olympic athlete.

“It was JP’s birthday and I called him with the news, but he said AP had already been on sounding like a child with a new toy!

“I think Binocular will win a Champion Hurdle one year, but I don’t know which.”

Celestial Halo is back to improve on his narrow defeat but owner Andy Stewart is not expecting fireworks from his 10-1 chance.

He said: “I think you can put a line through last year’s one-two-three as they have not really franked the form since.

“Go Native sets the standard and he is the one we have all got to beat.”

Trainer Paul Nicholls retains the faith, and will employ more patient tactics on the first-time blinkered six-year-old.

Nicholls said: “I am happy with him and he is definitely a spring horse, as he has proved winning a Triumph and by his run in the Champion last year.

“He was very impressive first time out this year when he gave weight and a beating to Mamlook.

“He ran well in the Greatwood giving weight away to Khyber Kim and Medermit, and on that form he would have every chance.

“The blinkers have made a big difference to him at home. I have been happy with the way he is working and he has a chance in a race which looks wide open.”