Binocular in the frame for Punchestown

Binocular could bid to round off what has been another turbulent season in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown on May 6.

Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old was a brilliant winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last year, but was forced to miss this year’s renewal as there were concerns about medication used to treat an allergy still being in his system.

He returned to action in last week’s Aintree Hurdle, tackling two and a half miles for the first time, but finished a disappointing fourth of seven runners.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, reports the gelding to be none the worse for those exertions and he could now bid to show his true colours against Hurricane Fly at next month’s Punchestown Festival.

“He came out of the race good and there are no problems with him,” said Berry.

“Nobody can really put their finger on why he didn’t finish his race off so well. He travelled well to the third last, but he was beat from there home.

“Nothing has shown up and he seems in good old form. He jumped well and moved well during the race.

“He’ll have an entry in Punchestown. That’s the plan and we’ll just see how he is.”