With Binocular remaining the favourite for next month’s Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, Menorah is being put through his paces ahead of the showpiece fixture.

Having been rested since his impressive victory in the International Hurdle last December, Menorah will be required to train hard in the weeks leading up to the Champion Hurdle if he is to last against more seasoned runners.

Binocular, the 7/2 favourite for the race, has enjoyed several wins this year but was unconvincing in the Contenders Hurdle at Sandown over the weekend. Oscar Whisky, on the other hand, looked impressive in securing the Welsh Champion Hurdle. Trainer Philip Hobbs brushed aside his charge’s low-key preparations to describe Menorah as “one of those few horses where there’s no faults”.

Hobbs said: “We’ve stepped up his work earlier than anticipated due to the fact that he’s put on a bit of condition having had an easy time in December. That is a good fault as I’d much rather have him that way so that we can now work him hard and get him fitter and better”.

Hinting at his expectations for the 4-1 Menorah in next month’s Champion Hurdle, Hobbs added: “I couldn’t be more happy with him and I think there’s still room for improvement but this is surely one of the best Champion Hurdles we’ve had for some time… He’s still a potential improver and the worst situation, which isn’t too bad, is that he gets beaten in the Champion Hurdle and then we go novice chasing next year”.

You can get 5/1 odds with Boylesports for Menorah to win the Champion Hurdle 2011.