Binocular enjoys easy Sandown success

Binocular warmed up for a repeat assault on next month's Champion Hurdle with a bloodless success in the toteplacepot Contenders Hurdle at Sandown this afternoon.

Nicky Henderson's six-year-old was thwarted by less than a length when beaten into third at the Festival last year, but there was little to be learned from his length beating of two inferior rivals here.

The 1-7 favourite enjoyed little more then a canter round the Esher track under Tony McCoy, who sat motionless as the JP McManus-owned runner coasted across the line.

Most bookmakers, including Sky Bet, saw little to cause his odds to tumble for the Smurfit Kappa-sponsored Champion Hurdle leaving him at a general 7-1, although Coral trimmed him to 7-1 from 8s and William Hill stood their ground at 6s after laying him at 8-1 on Saturday morning.

Henderson said: "He enjoyed himself out there and it will have done everyone good.

"He has done all that was asked of him and we have got five weeks to go until Cheltenham.

"It is important to get runs into them at this time of year and there is still a bit to work on."

McCoy was not so enthusiastic, adding: "For some reason he is not showing the same level as form as last year.

"He may progress with another month but he is some way off it yet, although his trainer is a master of getting them ready for Cheltenham."