Hot Cross back at Bangor

Donald McCain admits Peddlers Cross faces a sterner test than he did on his fencing debut as he returns to Bangor for tomorrow’s Malise Nicolson Bright Future Novices’ Chase.

Last season’s Champion Hurdle runner-up beat just a couple of rivals on his first start over larger obstacles at the Wrexham circuit, but his jumping could hardly have been more impressive.

Nicky Henderson’s Grade One-winning hurdler Minella Class promises to give Peddlers Cross a little more to think about this weekend.

McCain said: “The horse of Nicky Henderson’s is a fair horse and it’s going to be more of a test than it was last time, but the ground is going to be lovely and this is the obvious next step.

“I would be more than happy if he was never pushed, but he seems in great nick, so fingers crossed.”

Completing the five-runner field are Brother Bob, Character Actor and Rye Rocket.