A fantastic renewal of the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton today (2.35) and Binocular looks great value at 15/8 to retain his crown.
Nicky Henderson’s 2010 Champion Hurdle winner is a top class act on his day and although beaten by Overturn in the Fighting Fifth on his seasonal reappearance he usually improves a bundle for his first run and is confidently expected to reverse the form.
The seven-year-old easily beat Overturn in this race last year and although not at his best for the rest of the season still managed to finish third to Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle.
He looked big a burly at Newcastle but travelled really strongly for most of the contest before flattening out in the closing stages, and today’s small field should enable him to stalk the leaders and use his terrific turn of foot to maximum effect.
The main dangers are obviously Overturn and Rock On Ruby, but the former has fallen short at the very highest level and will have to improve again in my eyes to win this whilst the latter is a ludicrously short price for a horse that won a listed handicap hurdle last time out.
OK he was impressive and the form looks strong given that the third has since come out and won The Ladbroke, but this is a race of the highest standard and in my eyes he will have to improve at least another 10lb to beat the likes of Binocular and Overturn.
To me Binocular should be shorter than the 15/8 on offer, and at that price he has to be the bet.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 4pts win Binocular (15/8 generally available – use BOG firms)
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