Berry reports Binocular in top form Frank Berry is confident Binocular can bounce back to form in the toteplacepot Contenders Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday. Last season's Champion Hurdle third ran a lifeless race when sent off favourite for the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on his first start of the campaign, but ran more encouragingly when third in the Christmas Hurdle. Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, reports the six-year-old in good form and hopes he can book his place in the Champion Hurdle line-up with a prominent showing. "Nicky is very happy with the horse and he's in good form. We drew a line under his run at Newcastle, but he didn't run badly at all at Kempton, so let's hope he runs a big race," said Berry. "The track at Sandown should be ideal for him. Hopefully all goes well tomorrow and then it will be Cheltenham, but let's get this out of the way first." Binocular would appear to face a straightforward task as he takes on just two rivals in Dee Ee Williams and Marodima.
