Binocular Leads Antepost for Christmas Hurdle

While most UK jumps observers have January 15 circled on their calendars as the day when the rescheduled King George VI Chase will run, it’s important to remember that the Christmas Hurdle is set to be run on the undercard for what is expected to be Kauto’s big engagement. Keeping an eye on this market is fairly straightforward as we’ve only got a handful of contenders set to line up for this one and you can expect a number of punters to be deploying Christmas Hurdle/King George doubles on the two favourites.

BINOCULAR didn’t exactly get things off to an emphatic start this year when he ran 3/5 to Peddler’s Cross in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. In all fairness, his connections attempted a similar move in 2009 and it didn’t pan out either as Nicky Henderson’s charge lost out to Go Native on the day. He did achieve a career-best figure of 172 in his third place outing on his seasonal debut this year and it looks like he’ll be deploying a slightly different strategy in this one. Look for him to make his move a little bit later as he was completely undone by the final 100 yards or so.

Starluck finished second to Peddler’s Cross in the aforementioned Fighting Fifth but had been previously bested by Binocular in the Champion Hurdle at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival. He’s more than worth a look as he boasts an excellent record at Kempton over course and distance. A clean trip is essential, but if he jumps well then he could push Binocular all the way.

Nigel Twiston-Davies Khyber Kim is using this race as a seasonal debut with his eye on the Cheltenham Festival in March. He ended the 2010 jumps season with a victory in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle when he scored a career-high 169 OR. He was beaten by Binocular in the Champion Hurdle last year, though he did stay on well to finish second. He’ll be well worked out for this one, but the fact that he hasn’t had a prep race is likely why he’s at 7/2 behind Starluck.

The likes of Overturn and Escort’men could certainly be in for a slice of this race although both of them need to step it up big-time to be able to have a chance at the winner’s circle. Overturn had a decent go on the Irish circuit last year but is likely just here for connections to see whether he has true festival credentials. Lightly-raced Escort’men scored on a seasonal debut in a limited handicap at Chepstow but is taking a massive step up in class here.