NICKY Henderson faces a crucial few hours of action as Champion Hurdle hopes Binocular and Oscar Whisky enjoy their final spins before the Cheltenham Festival.

Binocular is without doubt the headline act after his impressive victory in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last month.

The reigning champion hurdler had looked a little lacklustre when well beaten by Peddlers Cross on his seasonal bow in the Fighting Fifth, but Henderson has always said he is a horse who takes plenty of work to get right.

The seven-year-old looked much fitter at Kempton, though, and he proved that to be the case as he set on the heels of pacesetter Overturn before easing nearly four lengths clear in the finish.

Henderson insists Binocular will not be at his peak until the Festival, but even taking that into account, he will take all the beating in the totesport 0800 221 221 Contenders Hurdle at Sandown.

Hidden Keel can supply trainer Charlie Longsdon with a first Grade One victory in the totepool Challengers Novices’ Chase.

The six-year-old has won one of his two chase starts but he was thoroughly impressive at Leicester, although his jumping would need to improve a touch.

Oscar Whisky puts his Cheltenham hopes on the line in the William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las.

Owner Dai Walters is also the man in charge at the Welsh venue and he has made no secret of how much he would like this horse to take home the prize. Despite winning at Cheltenham last time, Henderson is not keen to go down the World Hurdle route with him.