Andrew Tinkler has described Nicky Henderson’s Zaynar (7/1 ante-post) as having a “live chance” in Tuesday’s Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Tinkler guided Zaynar to success at Ascot earlier this season and was thrilled to get the nod as part of a three-pronged attack including retained jockey Tony McCoy on board last year’s third Binocular and Barry Geraghty opting to ride last year’s winner Punjabi.

The JP McManus-owned gelding Binocular was a doubt for the race (Go Native 11/4 favourite ante-post) but came through a schooling session on Wednesday and was declared fit from a recent muscle problem.

“It’s brilliant news and he’s a horse who I obviously had a good win on at Ascot and he goes there with a live chance,” said Tinkler.

“His form is there to see and he’s obviously a Cheltenham winner.”

Don’t miss your chance to check out the latest ante-post betting for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on totesport.com.