Binocular has been simply breathtaking in two starts this season, winning a small event at Haydock on his seasonal reappearance before pulverising the likes of Celestial Halo and Katchit at Ascot.

While trends are against the star hurdler, Nicky Henderson is confident Binocular’s style of jumping will hold his charge in good stead.

“Katchit won as a five-year-old but, statistically, it is difficult for horses in their second season in the Champion,” said Henderson.

“I think See You Then was the last to win the race before Katchit.

“See You Then wasn’t favourite first time but the one thing they have in common is the ability to cross a hurdle very quickly, very slickly and economically.

“That is his one asset and what a real hurdler does.

“He has to do it eight times on Tuesday.”

Henderson’s hand is further strengthened by the presence of last year’s third-place horse, Punjabi, and Sentry Duty, winner of The Ladbroke.

Punjabi’s jockey Barry Geraghty said: “He was third last year when the ground was on the slow side and I probably think it is going to be similar again.

“It’s a really good Champion Hurdle but I’m very much looking forward to my fellow.”

David Pipe goes into the race with two live chances in the shape of Ashkazar and last year’s runner-up Osana.

“We have put blinkers on both horses just to sharpen them up,” said Pipe.

“Ashkazar was a bit lazy at Wincanton last time so hopefully they will help him and we think they will assist Osana as well as his jockey (Andrew McNamara).

“Both horses have worked in blinkers at home and it has gone well, so they must both have live chances.”

Celestial Halo will be bidding to give champion trainer Paul Nicholls his first victory in the Grade One contest.

His owner Andy Stewart said: “We have been trounced twice by Binocular, who I think is one of the best hurdlers I have ever seen and is only five.

“We have improved and the more cut in the ground, the better he will like it.

“Binocular sets the standard but we are going to try to give him a race.”