Binocular © Photo Healy Racing
Nicky Henderson's assistant has warned defending champion Binocular is not a certain starter in the Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.
JP McManus' gelding has won the St Stephen's Day Grade One twice in a row, beating Rock On Ruby last season before finishing fourth to the same rival in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Outlining possible runners for Seven Barrows in the race, representative Charlie Morlock said: "Darlan has an entry in The Ladbroke at Ascot. Grandouet will be entered for Kempton and I'm sure Darlan will be too.
"I don't think Binocular definitely goes there - he came back into training a little later and might not get to Kempton on Boxing Day."
