Straight to Cheltenham for Binocular

Binocular will bypass the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Wednesday and instead head straight for next month’s Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The 2010 Champion Hurdle winner has not been seen since landing his second Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on December 26, and trainer Nicky Henderson had been hoping to give his charge one more run before the Festival.

But with an intended run at Sandown earlier this month scuppered by frost and options now running out, connections have decided to complete the gelding’s Cheltenham preparations at home.

“He won’t be going to Kelso and he’ll go straight to Cheltenham now,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

“Nicky is happy with him at the moment and doesn’t think it will be a problem.

“Hopefully we have a trouble-free run and the horse gets there in top form.”