Peddlers Cross will finally get rematch with Binocular at Aintree
Published:Aintree’s Grand National meeting already throws up some incredible matches including Denman vs Long Run and Big Buck’s vs Grand Crus, and now Binocular and Peddler’s Cross can be added to the list.
Binocular will head for the Aintree Hurdle on the Saturday of the Grand National meeting should the ground stay good, and the 2010 Champion Hurdler faces a test of his credentials.
Having missed the 2011 Champion Hurdle due to a failed drugs test punters were unable to see Binocular tested against the best two-mile hurdlers in training, but in Peddlers Cross, Binocular meets the Champion Hurdle runner-up and a horse he is yet to beat.
The 2012 Champion Hurdle odds would suggest that Binocular is the better horse of the two – Binocular is 5/1 to win while Peddlers Cross is 7/1 – but at Newbury earlier this year Binocular was comprehensively beaten by Peddlers Cross.
The Grand National odds are likely to make Binocular the favourite to win the Aintree Hurdle, but considering both horses are one win from one run around Aintree racecourse, there shouldn’t be too much separating them in the Grand National betting.
The Aintree Hurdle is a step up in trip from the Champion Hurdle at 2m 4f, but Binocular’s trainer Nicky Henderson isn’t worried although the ground will determine if he runs.
“He worked yesterday and is in brilliant form,” said Henderson. “He’ll go to Aintree ground permitting.”
“I’m not worried about the trip – he’s always wanted a strongly run two miles – and I can’t believe he won’t get two miles four at Aintree.”
The Grand National meeting isn’t all about the Grand National itself, and while the Grand National betting market will be the biggest of the year, there is plenty of value to be found in the other races across the three days of the meeting.
A £20 stake on Binocular winning the 2012 Champion Hurdle would return £120. New customers can sign up here to get £60 in free bets.
