Binocular heads Fighting dozen Former champion hurdler Binocular is the star attraction among the 12 entries for the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle later this month (November 26). Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old is on a retrieval mission this season after an interrupted campaign last season meant he was unable to defend his crown at Cheltenham. Paul Nicholls' durable Celestial Halo would look a serious rival at this early stage after his win at Wincanton last weekend. The champion trainer has also entered Ascot winner Brampour and Sanctuaire. Bygones Of Brid, who ran such a good race behind Peddlers Cross in last year's race, has been entered by Karen McLintock with Topolski also holding the option for David Arbuthnot. Donald McCain, who won the race last year, could be represented by the popular Overturn this time. Two former Howard Johnson inmates, Bow Badger, now with John Wade, and Stormy Weather, now with Brian Ellison, could also run. Molko Jack and Via Galilei complete the 12 possibles.
