Six declared for Newcastle feature Binocular's biggest nemesis could be the weather if he is to atone for last season's lifeless display in the StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. Gosforth Park is currently submerged by five inches of snow, which is exacerbated by a pessimistic 48-hour weather forecast. If the meeting does survive a proposed 8am inspection on Friday morning, all eyes will unquestionably be focussed on Binocular. The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old was a meek presence in the race last November, finishing fifth as the 4-5 favourite. But he redressed the balance in spades by subsequently winning the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Binocular's most potent rival in the Grade One over two miles is the Donald McCain-trained Peddlers Cross. The unbeaten five-year-old pocketed the Neptune at the Cheltenham Festival which was sandwiched between Grade Two triumphs at Haydock and Aintree. Philip Hobbs' Nearby will arguably be the fittest horse in the field, however, as he has already won three times this term - culminating in a six-length romp in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton. Sublimity's expected withdrawal means Bygones Of Brid, Orsippus and the underrated Starluck complete the sextet for Saturday's encounter.
