Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular is set to make his return at the Boylesports.com International at Cheltenham next month.

The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding, who was third in last season's Champion Hurdle, had been expected to to make his seasonal debut in the WBX.COM Fighting Fifth' Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday week.

But Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: “Binocular's coming along nicely and Nicky is happy with him.

“He's still a possible for the Fighting Fifth but more than likely it will be the Boylesports for him on 12 December.”

The five-year-old is the general 7-2 favourite for this season's two-mile championship at Chletenham in the wake of Hurricane Fly's defeat at the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Lar Butler-trained Trafford Lad will miss the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday week and will not run again until Christmas because of a leg injury.