Nicky Henderson’s Binocular has returned in fine fettle following his facile success at Sandown on Saturday.
The Champion Hurdle hero cruised to victory under the hands of Tony McCoy in his final racecourse appearance before he heads to the Cheltenham Festival and while there are plenty of punters unimpressed with the superstar’s performance over the weekend, Henderson is sure to have the French import in fine form for next month.
Binocular just about scraped home in the same race at Sandown in 2010 and the bookies have not taken any chances on the Grade One winner.
"He's absolutely fine, he was sound yesterday. He'll have a quiet week or even a fortnight probably," Henderson explained.
"We'll just potter about with him and he'll come back for the principal target."
Binocular heads the betting for the Champion Hurdle but with the likes of Hurricane Fly, Peddlers Cross and Menorah all set for a trip to Prestbury Park in March, he is sure to be put to the test as he looks to make it back-to-back success at the world famous meeting.