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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Henderson Stars off to Newcastle on Saturday
25/11/10

Nicky Henderson is happy if cautious about the Champion Hurdler Binocular ahead of his run in the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.

Binocular
© racing-images.co.uk

Last year, the JP McManus owned hurdler was sent off the 5-6 favourite for the Newcastle feature but could finish only fifth behind Go Native.

Talking to sportinglife.com, the Lambourn trainer said: "I'm happier with him now than I was last year, but that's not to say something was obviously amiss back then. I wasn't that confident going to Newcastle last year and I wouldn't be again - it's a very good race, as it should be, with Peddlers Cross and Starluck in there - but I do know Binocular is in very good form. Saturday is not the Champion Hurdle, it's just the first step on the road to Cheltenham in March. My job is to make sure Binocular is fit and ready to defend his crown then but the stanjames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle is the perfect place to start and provides a good route into the Christmas Hurdle," he added.

Barbers Shop
© racing-images.co.uk

Stablemate Barbers Shop may also be heading to Newcastle, with the Rehearsal Chase being the preferred target to the Hennessey Gold Cup. Nicky Henderson said; "I don't know what happened at Wetherby but we've been pleased with him since and he's likely to go up to Newcastle for the Rehearsal.”

On to Thursday’s racing and Regal Heights is absolutely thrown in at Newbury in the 2.10. That isn’t the full picture and it is a long time since he showed his form but this trip should suit and the current 25/1 is far too big. Comes here nice and fresh and it is nearly 4-years since he got in at this class 3 level.

Recommendation: Newbury 2.10 – Regal Heights