Binocular tops a field of 31 in what has developed into one of the most eagerly-anticipated Champion Hurdles in decades.
One of five entries fielded by Nicky Henderson, the present title-holder is William Hill’s favourite after his superb Kempton rout – with the previous two Triumph Hurdle winners Soldatino and Zaynar also aiming to return the trophy to Lambourn.
Last season’s leading novice Menorah features for Philip Hobbs, with the impressive trainee of this year Cue Card re-opposing in a bid to garner more Festival glory - and exciting Donald McCain duo Peddlers Cross and Overturn add further intrigue to this most hotly-contested of events.
The emerald contingent is strongly represented with the likes of Hurricane Fly, Dunguib and Solwhit all set to fly the tricolour, and William Hill go11-4 about the spoils heading over the Irish Sea.
‘The Champion Hurdle looks one of the most scintillatingly-competitive renewals in decades’, Lucy Rhodes, spokeswoman for William Hill, explained to Cheltenhampro.
‘Depending on what transpires over the weekend with both Peddlers Cross and Hurricane Fly out to greet their fans, there is a genuine chance the first five in the betting could all appear at Prestbury on the back of victory. This classy concoction looks a real cocktail of the equine hurdling elite.’