Binocular (above), Grandouet and Spirit Son are all being aimed at the 2012 Champion Hurdle. (credit: Carine06)
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Nicky Henderson is planning his assault on the 2012 Champion Hurdle and the trainer is looking to saddle three of his stable stars in the Grade One showpiece.
With last year’s winner Hurricane Fly yet to be seen this season, this March’s renewal of the famous race is beginning to look wide open and there will be plenty of ante post punters looking to support Henderson’s trio.
With Binocular, Grandouet and Spirit Son all being aimed at a trip to Prestbury Park, the trainer explained: "Spirit Son worked very well on Saturday and is about three weeks off a run. I think the old Agfa Hurdle could be the race for him ahead of Cheltenham.
"For obvious reasons we won't be taking Binocular to Sandown and I've yet to decide where he'll go. It's possible he could run in Ireland.
"The Kingwell at Wincanton looks the right trial for Grandouet. All three of them are in very good order."
It is now looking likely that Hurricane Fly will head directly to Cheltenham to defend his crown, but Mullins has assured his followers that the French import is well.
Speaking last week, the Irish trainer explained: "He's grand and Paul Townend rode him out this morning. I just wasn't happy that he was straight enough to do himself justice. He's fit and well but he just hasn't worked well enough to run tomorrow.
"He worked against Thousand Stars on the Curragh last week over a mile and two furlongs and he needed it badly. After that I wasn't happy I had him in order.
"As I've said before, he'll run when he's ready and not before.”
