Nicky Henderson is still weighing up whether to run Binocular in Wednesday's Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso or head straight to the Cheltenham Festival.
The 2010 Champion Hurdle winner has had his preparation for this year's renewal disrupted by the weather, with an intended run at Sandown earlier this month frozen off.
With few options remaining for the eight-year-old, Henderson admits his charge will either have to make the long journey to Scotland or not run at all prior to the Festival.
Henderson will have bad memories of the Morebattle Hurdle after Zaynar was beaten in the race as the 1-14 favourite two years ago.
"Binocular's only real option is at Kelso and we're just umming and aahing about it at the moment. We need to decide whether he goes there, or not at all," said Henderson.
Binocular is not the only Seven Barrows inmate who needs a break in the weather, with several other horses pencilled in for Cheltenham in need of a prep run.
"I've got a lot of novices still to run. All The Aces needs another one and Simonsig will run next week," Henderson continued.
"I'm not sure about Burton Port. He will run in the Gold Cup, but I'd like to see what weight he gets in the Grand National."
