Nicky Henderson is confident that racing fans will see the best of Binocular when the superstar lines up in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
The 2010 Champion Hurdle winner was forced to miss last year’s race and Henderson watched on as Irish raider Hurricane Fly powered to a sensational victory in the opening day feature.
Binocular looked back to his best when he landed the Kingwell Hurdle recently and JP McManus' representative looks like he could give the reigning champion a scare in the two-mile contest.
"He was going to have a racecourse gallop and when he ran, we thought he might need it, but he didn't," Henderson explained.
"He looks slick and happy and enjoyed the other day."
Henderson also confirmed that the JP McManus' representative had a breathing operation after winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the handler continued: "I know AP (McCoy) didn't come back with a grin on his face at Kempton but he was brave enough and AP commented on his wind.
"When horses are missing a beat, nine times out of 10 it's respiratory. Did it make a difference? I don't know. He just looks really well - he looks like a good racehorse.
"Hurricane Fly came out on top of the pile last year by quite a long way. I'd like a phalanx to run against him but we're down to one. At least he seems to come in here probably as well as when he won the Champion Hurdle."