Henderson festival squad boosted by star duo

NICKY HENDERSON'S already strong squad for the Cheltenham Festival was further boosted on Saturday when Champion Hurdle contender Binocular and Ryanair-bound Riverside Theatre produced classy performancesat Wincanton and Ascot.

Binocular is as short as 7-2 with Ladbrokes to win the Champion Hurdle, a race he landed in 2010, after strolling home in the Kingwell Hurdle, but William Hill offer a top-price 9-1.

Riverside Theatre had not run since landing the Ascot Chase a year ago, but he had few problems defying the 364-day absence.

The victory promoted him to favouritism for the Ryanair Chase and he is 4-1 with Stan James and Boylesports, who have Gowran Park scorer Rubi Light at 5-1.

Henderson, who trains Riverside Theatre for a syndicate headed by actor Jimmy Nesbitt, said: "He hasn't had a racecourse gallop, but I was pretty sure he was ready, although he'll improve. Barry [Geraghty] made a commitment quite a way out but he was fit enough to do it.

"This was the prep race [for the Ryanair] and let's hope he gets there this time. He's not in anything else."

The trainer is also set to be represented at the festival by Racing Post Arkle favourite Sprinter Sacre and Long Run, who heads the market for the Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Henderson's Bobs Worth was eased to 5-1 (from 7-2) for the RSA Chase with Ladbrokes after he was beaten by Invictus in the Reynoldstown. The Magic Sign clipped the winner to 12-1 (from 33) for that.

Alan King, Invictus's trainer, saddled Balder Succes to win a novice hurdle at Ascot and he is 12-1 (from 25) with Paddy Power for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Massini's Maguire, also successful at Ascot, is 33-1 (from 40) for the John Smith's Grand National, while Haydock winner Giles Cross was also cut for the Aintree marathon. He is 20-1 (from 33) with Betfred, who also make Neptune Collonges - second to Giles Cross - 20-1 (from 33) for the National.

Another to catch the eye at Haydock was Brindisi Breeze, who is a general 12-1 for the Albert Bartlett following his runaway success in a Grade 2 novice hurdle.