Peddlers poised for fences

Peddlers Cross is back in light training, with Donald McCain relishing the prospect of his star turn embarking upon a novice chasing campaign in the autumn.

The brilliant six-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven starts under Rules and although he finally met with defeat in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, he went down in a blaze of glory to finish second to Hurricane Fly.

It looked as though that effort had taken its toll on his final start of the campaign at Aintree, but McCain reports his pride and joy to have returned from his summer break in fine fettle.

“He’s back in walking and trotting and he looks great,” said McCain.

“It’s very exciting at this time of year. There are some grand horses around the place and he’s obviously top of the list.

“The plan is for him to go novice chasing at the moment.

“We’ll play it by ear and see where we start off nearer the time.

“Let’s gets him there and see how we go, but I’d have thought we’d be starting off over fences.”

Stan James make Peddlers Cross the 8-1 favourite for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham next March.