Binocular has been installed as ante-post favourite for Cheltenham's Champion Hurdle on 15 March following his winning performance on Saturday.

The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old was declared as one of 31 entries for the two-and-a-half mile race. Binocular, whose regular jockey is Tony McCoy, will attempt to be the first Champion Hurdler to retain his crown since Hardy Eustace in 2005.

Hurricane Fly, Menorah and Peddlers Cross are among his main dangers.

Binocular, 5-2 favourite with race sponsor Stan James, powered to an impressive three-and-a-half-length success over Khyber Kim last year, and confirmed his well-being with an authoritative victory in his latest outing, the postponed Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle victor Menorah, unbeaten in three outings at Cheltenham, will fly the flag for the Philip Hobbs yard.

Of the seven-strong Irish raiding party, Hurricane Fly is likely to tempt punters the most. A six-time Grade One winner, he has recorded comfortable victories over Solwhiton his last two outings.

Donald McCain, son of Red Rum's trainer Ginger, is the driving force behind the unbeaten Peddlers Cross, last year's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle victor.

He had Binocular back in third when winning the re-arranged Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury on 27 November, a race in which Starluckwas second.

Meanwhile, Henderson has confirmed Long Run is "highly, highly unlikely" to race again before taking on Denman, Kauto Star and champion Imperial Commander in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Berkshire trainer said of the King George VI Chase hero: "He's come out of it really well. He's been out in the paddock for a bit and it went really good.

"I can see why the earplugs would help on him on a big day with a big crowd like at Kempton, and they [earplugs] will be there come March, all being well."

Source:BBC