Racing:Tony McCoy was underwhelmed, if hardly in despair, about Binocular despite the reigning Champion Hurdler finishing off his Cheltenham preparations on a winning note at Sandown.
It was worth remembering McCoy had been fairly critical of his mount after he had struggled home in last season’s totesport 0800 221 221 Contenders Hurdle before he rose to the occasion when it really mattered just over five weeks later.
Binocular had looked in need of a run when beaten by Peddlers Cross on his return at Newbury, but claimed the Christmas Hurdle with ease and was not expected to be troubled by three rivals rated leagues below him.
After getting a little warm in the preliminaries the 1-10 favourite jumped scrappily at one or two on the back straight.
McCoy was just starting to have to get serious when the front-running Ruthenoise, who is also trained by Nicky Henderson, stumbled through the last and allowed Binocular to cruise clear under an instantly relaxed rider.
“It wasn’t impressive, but for whatever reason it was a similar performance to last year,” said McCoy. “I don’t think he jumped as well as he can today, but with just three other horses you are being careful in case one falls or something like that.
“He was more impressive at Kempton, but you can’t go on what he did here in a race like this. He seems in good form, he’s progressing and hopefully we will get him there (Cheltenham) the same as last year.”
Binocular was eased slightly by a couple of bookmakers but remains the unanimous Champion Hurdle favourite and is 100-30 with sponsors Stan James.
Henderson’s assistant Tom Symonds added: “He doesn’t do an awful lot at home and he can be idle, but as soon as AP (McCoy) gave him the office he has answered every call.
“The main thing was that it was a clear round from both horses. He’ll have a little break now and then he’ll crack on for Cheltenham in March.”