Binocular will head straight to the Cheltenham Festival after connections decided against running in the BetVictor Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Wednesday
The 2010 Champion Hurdle winner has not been seen since landing his second Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, and trainer Nicky Henderson had been hoping to give his charge one more run before the Festival.
But with an intended run at Sandown earlier this month scuppered by frost and options now running out, connections have decided to complete the gelding's Cheltenham preparations at home.
"He won't be going to Kelso and he'll go straight to Cheltenham now," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
"Nicky is happy with him at the moment and doesn't think it will be a problem. Hopefully we have a trouble-free run and the horse gets there in top form."
