Binocular enters the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso
Binocular, Oscar Whisky and Simonsig are among 16 entries for the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle, to be held at Kelso on Wednesday.
It was a bit of a surprise move by Nicky Henderson to send his three high status trainees to the competition. However, the well-known trainer cleared the air himself, admitting that he was running out of options.
The star-studded line-up also includes Local Hero, Marsh Warbler, Rumble Of Thunder, Alsahil, Cape Tribulation, Corkage, Desert Cry, Fridaythorpe, Higgy’s Boy, Knockara Beau, Little Hercules, Orsippus, and Simply Ned.
The going is good to soft for the 2 miles and 2 furlongs race, and the horseracing fans are expecting a lot of fun on February 15.
This list may go through slight changes as Brian Ellison's Marsh Warbler and Donald McCain's Desert Cry have been given the option to compete in Saturday's Betfair Hurdle.
Due to the poor British weather, many races have been abandoned, no trainer wants to let any opportunity go before next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
Binocular was scheduled to run at Sandown, but the meeting was cancelled due to poor conditions last week. Oscar Whisky has been given the entry for the 'jumpers' bumper' event, set to be held at Kempton on Friday.
Moreover, Simonsig is also declared to run at Newbury on the weekend. Hence, Henderson is undoubtedly running out of options these days.
Binocular, Oscar Whisky and Simonsig all are in good rhythm at the moment. On Boxing Day, Binocular picked up a narrow win in the Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle. After a nail-biting contest, the eight-year-old managed to beat, Rock On Ruby by a neck’s
margin.
Oscar Whisky made his last outing on first day of the New Year, when the seven-year-old topped the chart in the Cheltenham & Three Counties Club Hurdle.
Simonsig has been out of action for more than a couple of months. On December 2, the Grade-2 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle saw him lose to, Fingal Bay, by 2 ¾ lengths.
Considering their recent good performances, it will not be wrong to say that Henderson has high expectations of his trio.
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