McCoy pleased with Binocular 's progress

Racing: Tony McCoy was left beaming after a schooling session with Binocular today

Racing:Tony McCoy was left beaming after a schooling session with Binocular today. The perennial champion jockey was at Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows stable in Lambourn putting the 2010 champion hurdler through his paces before his run at Aintree next week.

Henderson is stepping JP McManus' pride and joy up to two and a half miles for the first time after he was forced to miss the defence of his Cheltenham crown at the 11th hour.

By running in the John Smith's Aintree Hurdle it sets up a mouthwatering clash with gallant Champion Hurdle runner-up Peddlers Cross.

"Binocular is in terrifically good form and Aintree is the plan," said Henderson. "AP (McCoy) came down and schooled him over a couple of hurdles this morning and he had a big smile on his face afterwards, so it's all going well."