Word on Binocular

Nicky Henderson reports Binocular to be fighting fit ahead of his bid to regain the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in a fortnight's time.

The 2010 winner was unable to defend his crown 12 months ago and struggled to regain his best form when he returned to action last spring and earlier this season.

However, he has shown glimpses of a renaissance with victories in the Christmas and Kingwell Hurdles on his last two starts.

That progress appears to be continuing with his trainer delighted with his well-being ahead of taking on last year's brilliant winner Hurricane Fly.

But Binocular will be Henderson's only representative after Spirit Son and Grandouet have both been sidelined.

"Hurricane Fly came out on top of the pile by quite a long way last year and I'd like a phalanx of horses to run against him but we're down to one," said Henderson.

"At least he seems to come in there probably as well as when he won the Champion Hurdle.

"He looks really well, he just looks like a good racehorse."