Contenders Hurdle

1.55 Sandown
totesport 0800 221 221 Contenders Hurdle (Listed) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £9,122

Binocular: Reached his true potential when storming to impressive victory in Champion Hurdle romp last year (rated as the best winner of the Champion Hurdle since Istabraq on BHA ratings), having been below par for a large par of the season, putting in blow par efforts in Fighting Fifth (5th) and Christmas (3rd);Travelled very well considering condition in Fighting Fifth behind Peddlers Cross and Starluck first time out and looked scarily close to his best when putting together brilliant jumping display to win the Christmas Hurdle easily last time; Has this race at his mercy on his way to defending his Champion Hurdle crown.

Siberian Tiger: Is easily second best on form both over jumps and flat, having come second in a big Ascot handicap last time (switched yards since) and his listed hurdle second here is a piece of form that makes him very hard to stop for the forecast, although layoff is a concern.

Dorabelle: Bumper winner who's progressing fast over hurdles (3 from 4 in Novice Mares Hurdles); Comes here fit and ready to run, so can’t be ruled out for the forecast although form nothing special.

Ruthenoise: Hasn’t done well at all here and has a lot to learn.

VERDICT: BINOCULAR gave a big warning to the Champion Hurdle pretenders when winning so impressively in the Christmas Hurdle last time and can take this as a simple prep run. Those who must be looking for the forecast could do worse than Siberian Tiger.