Binocular decision next week

Connections of Binocular will make a decision on his Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle participation after a crucial workout next week.

The six-year-old was beaten just half a length when sent off favourite for last year's renewal of the hurdling showpiece but he has failed to achieve that level of form so far this season.

Despite a victory at Sandown last time, trainer Nicky Henderson ruled him out of the Champion Hurdle last month due to a muscle problem, but there may yet be a reverse of that decision if he pleases connections next week.

Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: "He's had some treatment and we'll just see how he gets on next week before deciding where we're going with him.

"He'll have a school and do some work next week and then we'll see about Cheltenham.

"There is also Aintree and Punchestown to think about but it's in Nicky's hands and we'll call it next week."

Six Betfair punters will be hoping Binocular does take his place in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle field.

J P McManus' charge drifted to the maximum price on Betfair when he was ruled him out of the Champion three weeks ago - £52 was matched (£26 backed; £26 laid) at those odds - and a colossal £881 has been matched at 100 (99-1) or bigger on the one-time favourite.

In addition, he has also been matched at 980 (979-1), 880 (879-1) and at all rates down from 720 (719-1) on the exchange.

There are six lucky Betfair backers at 1000, with £10 being the biggest individual bet struck. Binocular is currently trading at 28 (27-1) on Betfair.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin commented: "Kicking King is one of the most famous Betfair betting stories, winning the 2005 Gold Cup as the 4-1 favourite after trading at 999-1 when being effectively ruled out of the race weeks before.

"But if Binocular were to win the Champion it will eclipse even that legendary betting tale, mainly because of the monies traded at three-figure prices are so huge.

"Some Betfair punters are sitting very pretty this morning."

The fixed odds firms have also reacted to the news, Sky Bet reintroducing Binocular to their Champion Hurdle market at 14/1 with William Hill going 10s.

Michael Shinners of Sky Bet said: "With the news that Nicky Henderson has not completely ruled out his runner we have reintroduced him at 14/1. However if Binocular is confirmed a runner it could well come into the 10/1 mark."

To win the Champion Hurdle - Betfair betting : 4-1 Go Native, 9-2 Solwhit, 8-1 Zaynar, 9-1 Medermit, 11-1 Punjabi, Khyber Kim, 14-1 Starluck, 16-1 Celestial Halo, 25-1 Sublimity, 27-1 Binocular