Peddlers Cross 8/1 Arkle

Personally think that 8's is too short for Peddlers given the fact he might need further and not run in the race. Lovely horse though should be some race 1st time out against Al Ferof looking forward to it already if they both turn up.

Time to get the wheelbarrow out again...

the winner of peddlers v al ferof will trade at below 5s straight after the race[if its a true race]

mug horse this PC thing,will never make a chaser,laying at 50/1 for the arkle

i think that 8's is a more than fair price....before the champion hurdle i had worries about the distance being too short...but he showed that he could live (pretty much) with as good a champion hurdle winner as we have seen for a few years....we're also talking about a horse where hurdling was always supposed to be a stepping stone on the way to his proper job...the trainer is totally convinced that the horse has all the attributes to be an even better chaser than a hurdler....8/1...fair price for this horse....if he's not convincing after the bangor run he wouldn't drift much...if he blows al ferof away he could be 9/2.

Two more Arkle contenders out next Saturday in beginners chase at Ascot...Sam Winner and Solix....potentially a very intersting match up and Nicholls seems genuinely excited about Sam Winner. Could also give an interesting line to Cue Card if Micheal Flips runs.

peddlers cross doesn't look that big to me, and maybe the reason they are going chasing is because
they realise they can't beat hurricane fly. it's a risky strategy to adopt though, because if he
doesn't match up as a chaser then that might affect his confidence and he'll never be at the same level
as a hurdler.

sprinter sacre for me at this stage, i'm loving this horse for this race. a great big thing, also a front-runner which I think will always help you in a race like the arkle, as it means you are out of any trouble in behind.

menorah fits into the same category and will be interesting to see how he gets on tomorrow.

id have to disagree wuith that statement about front running being a positive in an arkle....
maybe splitting hairs but id be keen to oppose horse in front after 3fences..being handy id view as a positive,getting a sight of fences and picking the pacesetters off going to 2out.

that said it maybe different this year due to not being able to try your hardest to win a race.

well maybe, I don't know if sprinter sacre will have to make the running or not, just that he'll be handy. azertyuiop, voy por ustedes, and sizing europe are good examples of why it helps to be up there in such a rough and ready race. Perhaps I should have said "being up there with the pace" helps you, rather than being an out and out front runner.

as for what someone was saying earlier about being worried that sprinter sacre might not find much up the hill, and if peddlers cross and menorah are upsides at the last they'd be worried, I find that a bit harsh. the horse is largely unproven and has done very little wrong.

personally I feel that barry geraghty gave the perfect example of a ride in the arkle on finians rainbow last year, riding handy in second place and giving his mount plenty of confidence, firing him at the fences. just that he wasn't good enough on the day to fend off captain chris up the hill.

I like Sprinter Sacre too Mythical. I do however think Peddlars looks every inch a chaser - i've seen him at the track many times and he has the size and scope IMO, no question. Has also won a point. Of course we'll know more in 10 days time, after Bangor.

nicholls doing his best to get a price on Al Ferof saying needs further dont believe that myself made for 2 at cheltenham. most underated horse in training imo.

Peddlers Cross (7's) (only with 365 & Laddies now - all the rest have gone to 6's),

Sprinter Sacre (10) , Menorah (12) , Al Ferof (14) , Cue Card (16) , Solwhit (16) , Thousand Stars (16) ,

First Lieutenant (20) , Grandouet (20) , Kid Cassidy (20) , Overturn (20) , Poungach (20) , Spirit Son (20) ,

Arvika Ligeonniere (25) , Cedre Bleu (25) , Dare Me (25) , Dunguib (25) , Get Me Out Of Here (25) , Rebel Rebellion (25) , Salden Licht (25)  - Others  25 or more

I took the 8/1 with Ladbrokes, but I reckon Al Ferof will be the biggest danger come Arkle day. The Bangor race will be interesting to say the least. If Peddlers hacks up I'll definitely be having a punt on Al Ferof at a biggish price

Very good efficent round of jumping but anyone who takes 4/1 for the Arkle now is an idiot

He beat nothing at a very easy jumping track...why's his price shortened!? What were people expecting him to do today!? Was impressive, but that was hardly a test was it!? Still wouldn't go near him at 8's.

Well, he has proved he can get over them without much fuss and we know that he has both an engine and serious pace. I'm not sure that they would've sent him chasing if they didn't expect him to take top order over fences. He had any domestic hurdle pretty much at his mercy and with a horse that has produced a sicknote more often than turned up at the festival to beat in the CH, a good chance of winning that.
All that said, 4/1 for a hot looking Arkle in November..........I'm not sure that I can. Will probably look huge when he jizzes up @ 8/11 come March.

I guess it depends what he scares off as well! Mind you, his Warwick run aside, Finians Rainbow never touched a fence on route to last season's Arkle and was beaten...

I'm surprised you wouldn't touch him at 8/1. Already a festival winner and a good 2nd to the best champion hurdle winner for a few years. I'm struggling to see any negatives.

However, I would say that after having had my biggest ever antepost bet on PC for the Arkle.

agree with above qm take less winning.

I'm not sure I agree that the QM will take less winning as it's a totally different game taking on seasoned chasers. A recipe for disaster imo.

6/1 looks fair enough to me and I'll probably back him again.

alf will murder him

It's all very well saying he jumped brillaintly, but as he was always in 2nd gear it was very easy for Timmy Murphy to make sure he met every fence on a perfect stride - it's what he does when he isn'r perfect and has to shorten, stand off or fiddle one that will determine how good he is going to be over fences.

And given he jumped so well I was a bit perturbed that the 2nd horse was still so close going to the last - if PC had blundered it might even have got interesting.

I dont know what more a horse making his chasing debut could have done today.
At 1/8 he had everything to lose and nothing to gain.
I assume the people crabbing him on here were doing the same before the Champion Hurdle.
Ive been a fan of this horse since his bumper win at Haydock quite simply to my eyes he is a top top class horse.
When others went by the wayside in the Champion Hurdle he stuck his head down and battled all the way to the line to be beaten by what most consider to be the best 2m hurdler since Istabraq.
Now he is embarking on the career he was bred for and assuming down the line he heads to the Arkle good luck to any horse taking him on because one thing im sure of is that to beat him will take a monumental effort just ask Hurricane Fly.
To put it simply Peddlers Cross ended his hurdling days with an official rating of 170.
To win the Arkle id guess he will need to run to around the late 150s and i think he can and will do just that.

Good display of jumping and has to be a major player this season,he has top class Hurdle form behind him and has now proved he can jump,albeit under no pressure.
Still some to see yet and no way would i go in at current price,but those that have backed PC at bigger prices should be pleased with what they saw today.
Long way to go till March though.

Absolutely love this horse.

He was as impressive as a novice on his first race over fences can be.  Its not his fault Al Ferof's connections ducked the challenge.

Well happy with my 14/1 and wouldn't swap it for anything - it will take a special performance from something else to beat him.

I think everyone knew that if he won today his price would shorten, so if you fancied him for the Arkle you should have been on before the race.  Menorah fell the other day and he shortened abit, so what would did you expect to happen after a performance like that today?

Certainly hes one of a few that could win the Arkle,but for me personally he has not been the right price to back him this early.
In the Al Ferof camp myself,and eagerly awaiting his run on Sunday,looks a hot little race at the moment.

Wouldn't go near the QM if he was mine. I'd much rather see him take on the other novices than Big Zeb, Captain Cee Bee and Golden Silver.

And he wont,hes a novice and will run in Arkle alongside all the other novices,where he should be.

i think al ferof will need further than 2, he was out paced in the supreme, styed on to win, think he'll want further in future

"...Big Zeb, Captain Cee Bee and Golden Silver." ooooh, run away, run away

PC didn't get out of a canter today and didn't touch a twig, he has repeatedly shown his ability and devastating turn of foot at the highest level.  All the CH doubters were put to shame in March when he blasted most his potential opposition to pieces come next festival.

This horse could easily be 6-4 come March

6-4

If we imagine that Hurricane Fly didn't exist, what price do we have Peddlers? A Champion Hurdle winner by 5 lengths who has just win his chase debut without touching a twig, jumping incredibly quick and efficiently. Not 6s imo.

Think you have to see the opposition though Joist,but you do put up a good case.

Ah of course, the opposition is undoubtedly strong in potential; but Sprinter Sacre while obviously incredibly exciting for me has plenty to prove; Menorah falling is hardly ideal; and despite his Supreme Novices' heroics Al Ferof wants further imo, reminds me plenty of Noland. Equally, none of the 3 mentioned horses get anywhere near as close to Hurricane Fly as Peddlers did over hurdles imo. Bangor might not be the hardest track to jump, but I doubt we'll see a more impressive fencing debut all season, I thought Peddlers was absolutely sublime yesterday. Jumps just like you want a top-class chaser to do; low and efficient without ever making you think that he'll fall.

Al Ferof will relish the Arkle trip imo,and if he proves he can jump,which i am confident hes a chaser in the making,he will be a threat.
Menorah jumped well till the jockey unseated.
Should find out more about these when they face better opposition.
Agree that PC is worthy fav though

Well AF now proved he can jump,and round Cheltenham as well.
Happy with that and the thought of PC and AF taking each other on is rather mouth watering.

Not sure Af will be aimed at the Arkle myself. Reckon he wants a trip and they might look after him this season.

No mate,Nicholls said after the race he will go for Arkle.
Race is tailor made for him.

I certainly thought he was looking better as the race went on, and looked like it was all happening a bit quick for him early on (although nothing major) Would you pit this down to him gaining from the experience as imho thought he could do with further...?

Sorry, was a bit slow there as trying to do three things at once!!

Thought he jumped the first 2 or 3 a bit deliberately,but certainly did not think he was finding it a tad too fast just the front 2 went off too quick.Trainer said it was a great Arkle trial and thats where they have to go.
No doubt he gets further,he won over further over Hurdles,but hes still quick enough over 2m,as his form last season shows.
Also Al Ferof ran round Cheltenham last March in a quicker time than the CHurdle,although carried 3lb less.

Agreed Budd that the front two went off too quick, and we saw how that ended, but think in the Arkle the whole field will be going that pace which could leave Al looking a little pondersous at some of his fences. Mind you, that could/should set it up for something thats going to see the distance out well - I'm gradually talking myself round to your way of thinking, but have to admit to being happy with my existing bets on PC....

I thought he looked a little novicey at 2 or 3 of the early fences then jumped beautifully. Ruby eased him in to it and gave him a super ride. Remember, this was his first chase - he's likely to improve his jumping and perhaps his fitness. I didn't see anything today to suggest he can't travel, jump at pace and compete for an Arkle. And his form today must be superior to Peddlers Cross (with no disrespect at all to PC who just hasn't run in a decent chase yet). It is, however, a shame Lancetto and Toubab missed today as they would have been a decent marker for the form.

the biggest worry with peddlers cross is that he ends up running in the champion chase

No idea why trainers even contemplate running Novices in championship races. And re PC, it wont happen. McCain is no fool.

Yes Buddlia you are correct, Arkle definitley the aim it seems. Interesting that Nicholls spoke about how exuberant Af was at home in schooling. I think that showed yesterday so hopefully he learns to be more economical otherwise you could see him taking a nasty fall imo.

Slight mistake at one today but won well enough. It looked for a second about 4 out that he might be given a race by Minella Class but he came away in the end. Workmanlike would probably be too harsh, but he was shaken up towards the end and didn't come away as easily as I thought he might but maybe I'm expecting too much 2nd time over fences

Minella Class is no mug, so to give him 7lbs I thought that was quite an impressive performance.

i was impressed by his jumping today,not exubarant but economical.dont spend too much time in the air.good stuff....

Haydock on the 17th Dec and all being well he'll not run again until the Arkle, according to RUK.

A nice performance and it will take some horse to beat him in March

Think he will need to do a fair bit more than win 2 Bangor chases to convince me it will take some horse to beat him.Much bigger tests to come.
He looks good though.

Your right, I suppose being a 170 rated hurdler who seems to have taken to fences very well indeed is nothing to shout about.

Ok,but just saying that Bangor chases are a long way from whats in store for him later,thats all.
Yes his hurdles rating entitles him to be tough to beat if hes as good over fences,but hes still got some stiffer tests to come.
Like i say though he looks good.

That said, I can't see that anyone would be taking 7/2 in november.

Agree,hes worthy fav,but Al Ferof was impressive,Menorah ran well and jumped ok till the mistake and we have still to see Sprinter Sacre.

Still 5/1 with Laddies when I looked 5 mins ago.

good enough but my gut feeling afterwards was that i wanted a bit more of an impressive performance i just didn't like that moment when maguire had to shake him up a little...but then i tell myself that minella class is no mug so it's ok.....but like said above menorah jumped well until he didn't!! sprinter sacre to come....and at the moment my hunch is that al ferof is shading it .

Think he is a short price for the Arkle tbh.

We not seen the best of what Ireland has to offer yet and Willie Mullins could have 2 or 3 likely candidates plus anything else from Ireland.

Thought he was good again today, despite 2 little errors in the back straight, he then jumped the last two perfectly; he just lost his concentration a little when Minella came to join him. I liked the way Maguire rode fired him into the last few fences, and Peddlers is sure to be suited by a stronger pace, so was ridden today with bigger and better fields in mind. Can't wait for Haydock, and the one to beat for me come March.

He beat a grade one winning hurdler by 8 easy lengths giving it 10lbs and jumped like an experienced steeplechaser in the process,can't see what else he could do to have been much more impressive

Has won two walk over races which he was entitled to do...

and now is a general 7-2 favourite for the Arkle..

a joke for me..

as is the price on Al Ferof..

I think his trainer is top draw, as is the horse, but a couple of walk overs does not entitle him to be this price..

People can argue what they like about minella class...but at the end of the day, it was just a nice introduction for him...he is and was just an average hurdler...

Take nothing away from Peddlers though he could do no more and is going the right way but 7-2 is deplorable...

What prices should he be though? 5/1, 6/1?? No chance. I think hes a cracking bet for the arkle because he has everything you want in a arkle horse, speed, stamina, cheltenham form and he has shown he can jump. Admitted, 2 bangor novice chases but he seems very natural over the obstacles, at this early stage, slighltly reminiscent of best mate. So i cant see why peopee think 7/2 is a shortish price, personally thik 5/1 with laddies is very generous...

Sizing Europer was a grade 1 winning hurdler and was available at 13/2 on the day of the Arkle.

I agree in that PC cant have done much more, but his price is based on his hurdles form which has taken a huge chunk out.

This race is more compettive than it looks, there are plenty of horses yet to show their hand.

McCain to keep to Arkle plan with Peddlers Cross
By Peter Scargill 12:55PM 28 NOV 2011

DONALD MCCAIN is to resist the temptation to run Peddlers Cross in the Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival despite the six-year-old making a faultless start to his chasing career.

Owned by Tim Leslie, Peddlers Cross is 5-1 favourite for the Irish Independent Arkle Chase after making it two wins from two at Bangor last week but his performances had prompted talk of a shot at the Champion Chase.

However, McCain was keen to reaffirm his commitment to his original plan which will see Peddlers Cross head to Haydock on December 17 and then have one more run before contesting the Arkle.

He said: "He's still young and if I do my job properly there are still several years to have a go at the Champion Chase. Nowhere along the line do we need to find out how good he is because we know how good he is. He may have an entry in the [Jewson Novices' Chase] as well but I can't believe he'll run in anything but the Arkle.

"The natural progression is to go through a novice season and step up the next season and he's still be going to Cheltenham with a maximum of fourruns over fences under his belt. I'm always inclined to keep novices to novice races where I can."

Plans for Peddlers Cross after his novice career are likely to see him kept at 2m to begin with although the William Hill King George VI Chase could come under consideration.

"He wouldn't be a bad one to built up quietly and he could be a good one to run in the King George along the way but he's a very, very quick horse and when he jumps he's accurate - a little bit like Overturn - but three miles would come into the equation," McCain told At The Races.

Phewwwwwwwww

Peddlers Cross is set to put his unbeaten record over fences on the line at Kempton on December 27 in the williamhill.com Novices' Chase.

The Champion Hurdle second looks likely to face the stiffest task of his chasing career in the two mile contest which is registered as the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase.

The Christmas contest has proved to be something of a benefit for Nicky Henderson who has saddled five recent winners including Fondmort, Riverside Theatre and Jack The Giant.

Henderson could be represented this year by impressive Doncaster winner Sprinter Sacre and Donald McCain is relishing the prospect of taking him on with his Champion Hurdle second who is unbeaten in two starts to date over fences.

"He worked well this morning, and his intended target is the Wayward Lad Novices Chase at Kempton, all being well.

"He is likely to take on Sprinter Sacre, among others, so it could be an exciting race." he revealed in his exclusive blog at www.betfair.com/donaldmccain.

At least we may get rid of one of main ones for Arkle after this, if all showing but have feeling one or other will not run?

Donald McCain expects Peddlers Cross to bounce back from his disappointing display at Kempton after a couple of issues came to light following that run.

Last season's Champion Hurdle runner-up made a seamless transition to chasing game, winning twice at Bangor to take him to the top of the ante-post lists for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

But his comprehensive defeat at the hands of new Arkle favourite Sprinter Sacre in last month's Wayward Lad Novices' Chase perplexed his trainer, who admits he is pleased to have found something to explain the below-par performance.

"It was obvious to me that he wasn't himself and we have found a couple of things that weren't right," said McCain.

"There are a couple of issues. What we have found is more than enough to fully justify his run.

"We're sorting the problem out and hopefully we should be OK and we can get him back on track.

"I think now we've found those problems there is no reason for us to change our original plan and all going well, we're aiming towards the Arkle.

"I've never been so pleased to find a problem with a horse in my whole life."

While McCain is now looking forward to Cheltenham again with his star performer, he has cast some doubt over whether the seven-year-old will run again in the meantime.

"The issues we've found are going to need a bit of management so we'll try to sort that before we make plans for his next run," the trainer added.

"It would be nice to get another run in before Cheltenham, of course it would, but if we don't I wouldn't be unduly concerned."

Al Ferof (FR) (Mr J. Hales) Paul Nicholls....................................................................... 7 11 7
Astracad (FR) (Mr H. R. Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies ............................................. 6 11 7
Bagber (Mr Allan McLuckie) W. P. Mullins, Ireland........................................................ 6 11 7
Baily Green (IRE) (R. A. Scott) M. F. Morris, Ireland ................................................. 6 11 7
Blackstairmountain (IRE) (Mrs S. Ricci) W. P. Mullins, Ireland.............................. 7 11 7
Bog Warrior (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) A. J. Martin, Ireland ..................... 8 11 7
Call The Police (IRE) (DD Racing Syndicate) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ..................... 9 11 7
Cristal Bonus (FR) (Mr R. J. H. Geffen) Paul Nicholls ............................................... 6 11 7
Cue Card (Mrs Jean R. Bishop) Colin Tizzard ................................................................ 6 11 7
Escort’men (FR) (Donlon, Doyle & MacDonald) Paul Nicholls .............................. 6 11 7
Foildubh (IRE) (Mr John Patrick Ryan) John Patrick Ryan, Ireland ........................ 8 11 7
For Non Stop (IRE) (Mr Jared Sullivan) Nick Williams.............................................. 7 11 7
Kid Cassidy (IRE) (Mr John P. McManus) Nicky Henderson.................................... 6 11 7
Kumbeshwar (McNeill Family & Mr Nigel Bunter) Alan King ................................. 5 11 7
Lucky William (IRE) (Garden Kingdom Syndicate) Thomas Cooper, Ireland ... 8 11 7
Menorah (IRE) (Mrs Diana L. Whateley) Philip Hobbs.............................................. 7 11 7
Nearest The Pin (IRE) (Sox Syndicate) A. J. Martin, Ireland.................................. 7 11 7
Pacha du Polder (FR) (The Stewart & Wylie Families) Paul Nicholls ................. 5 11 7
Peddlers Cross (IRE) (Mr T. G. Leslie) Donald McCain ........................................... 7 11 7
Realt Mor (IRE) (Mrs Pat Sloan) Nicky Richards .......................................................... 7 11 7
Sanctuaire (FR) (Mr Jared Sullivan) Paul Nicholls ........................................................ 6 11 7
Shot From The Hip (GER) (Mr John P. McManus) E. J. O’Grady, Ireland ........ 8 11 7
Sir des Champs (FR) (Gigginstown House Stud) W. P. Mullins, Ireland.............. 6 11 7
Sprinter Sacre (FR) (Mrs Caroline Mould) Nicky Henderson ............................... 6 11 7
Tajweed (IRE) (Mr Brian Comer) Luke Comer, Ireland............................................. 7 11 7
Zaynar (FR) (Men In Our Position) Nick Williams ....................................................... 7 11 7
Alasi (Mr Shully Liebermann) Paul Webber ...................................................................... 8 11 0

my banker of the Festival.

Going straight there according to his column

I think they are worried he isnt really a chaser and dont want him to flop again.  They want to make sure they have a runner at the Festival. If any horse needs another prep run to practice his fencing it is this one. The reasons for not taking up novice chases coming up are hilarious.

Horse is best fresh, so delighted to hear confirmation that it goes straight to Arkle.

I would worry if I'd backed him, seems the owner is guarateed a day out but the horse isnt guaranteed to jump at Arkle pace.

Would have thought it wise to have another run myself,but trainer ought to know best i guess.

Certainly don't think the owner just wants "a Day out" Eric, if he does then Overturn can do that in the Champion, sure they just want to do the right thing with the horse; McCain always been outright with his assertion that he doesn't want to do anything wrong with he horse or "ruin" it, more than anything. I've backed it and not too worried about it going straight there myself, clearly needs a little time to recover from Kempton, but jumped efficiently and safely at Bangor both times before that. He's fairly experienced at racing now, if not over fences and think he'll be bang there come the day. We know he gets up the hill and still my banker of the meeting!

Worrying that McCain has never come out and said what was wrong with him at Kempton and a big minus that there is no chance to redeem himself before Cheltenham. Whatever wins this Arkle is going to have to be in the form of their lives and he has had a flawed preparation IMO.

^ That for me is the dilemma in a nutshell.

Am personally more than prepared to write off the Kempton run as I'm convinced he just didn't turn up, but I'm worried about the McCain silence for three reasons:

1> He's one of the most open trainers in the game, so when he starts keeping things quiet about his best horse, you have to wonder why. That then links in with:

2> Is there really an issue or are they just bluffing? Perhaps they didn't find anything wrong physically but convinced themselves something else was to blame. Or:

3> If they did find something wrong physically but won't say what it was, can we be confident that the problem is 100% fixed by March 13?

Very frustrating as I do think his class makes him the one to beat and his price at present could look a gift in the aftermath of what looks certain to be the race of the meeting. But in such a hot race, you don't want to be putting your money down if things are not absolutely tickety-boo.

Evertheoptimist ... I would say they are actually risking 'ruining' their horse by not allowing him to put right his poor show of jumping last time out. A frenetic Arkle pace, the undulating course and Cheltenham fences are a massive obstacle to novices short of match practice especially those who have stuttered when asked for much less.

It's Arkle odds are now virtually back to the price it was pre Kempton. The trainer's given no excuse whatsoever for it's run, it's not been out since and nor does it intend to.

The fav's not run since, Cue Card's had a good win and Al Ferof has ran respectably in the VC Chase.

Utterly baffling.

yeh,does seem a bit strange.

The trainer did give an excuse, says the horse was scoped and found to have a muscle problem.

Where was that thieves? I missed that.

me too,all i have seen is trainer saying they found something,but did not say what it was.

still seems strange to me the horse being backed

All I can suggest Budd is that it's a very strong trends horse and it's got tremendous festival form.

Over fences it's only faced one high class horse and got well beaten. If Sprinter hacks up on Saturday then surely it's got to drift.

From yesterday


Donald McCain remains confident Peddlers Cross will be back to his brilliant best when he lines up in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham next month.

The Grand National-winning trainer has always had unwavering faith in the seven-year-old and he proved beyond all doubt he is a horse out of the top drawer when running Hurricane Fly close in last season's Champion Hurdle.

As one of the most exciting recruits to the chasing game in many a year, Peddlers Cross did everything right on his first couple of starts over fences at Bangor, but he was firmly put in his place by Sprinter Sacre at Kempton over Christmas.

That result saw Sprinter Sacre usurp Peddlers Cross at the top of the Arkle betting, but McCain is adamant his pride and joy is far better than he showed that day.

"Peddlers is grand. He's working away and we've decided we're going to go straight to Cheltenham because the races that were available didn't really fit in with what we wanted to do," said McCain.

"We'll get him A1 for the big day and it's all systems go. Plan A is the Arkle.

"He came back from Kempton pretty much wrong everywhere, he was very sore. It fully justified his run, we tidied everything up and he seems in great nick.

"I don't think there's ever been a day when Peddlers Cross hasn't worked like a machine, so I don't see any reason to panic. He's very special."

Also carrying the colours of owner Tim Leslie is the ever-consistent Overturn, winner of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle earlier this season.

He has since been placed at Cheltenham and Kempton in top-class company and McCain feels he has enough about him to be in the mix in the Champion Hurdle.

"I would expect him to be in the first four," the trainer stated. "He wasn't quite as sharp as he could have been in the International (at Cheltenham) and he definitely wasn't at Kempton. That puts him right in the mix.

"You wouldn't go expecting to beat Hurricane Fly, but a bouncing Overturn would be able to compete with most of them."

Racing Post Jan 3rd;

PEDDLERS CROSS is back on track for the Irish Independent Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after muscle problems were discovered that could help explain the cause of his first defeat over fences to Sprinter Sacre.

Immediately after that run trainer Donald McCain had suggested that last year's Champion Hurdle runner-up, who made such an impressive start to his chasing career with two victories at Bangor, could be set to step up in trip from 2m. However, now that McCain is armed with a fuller explanation he has no reason to divert Peddlers Cross from his initial Cheltenham goal of the Arkle, from which he was displaced as favourite by the impressive Wayward Lad Novices' Chase winner and for which he is now a best-priced 6-1. Peddlers Cross was handed a 16-length beating in the race at Kempton, where his challenge was undermined by a bad firstfence blunder. McCain said: "There are one or two issues, only minor muscle problems and stuff, that could have come from the mistake, could have been there to start with or could even been caused after the race. We've found a little bit of stuff that we're working our way through. "I'd like to think it does help explain the result. I'm not a bad loser and if the best horse has won then so be it, but it was just the manner that the horse got beat. Everybody would know that's not Peddlers Cross. "There's nothing drastic, we've just got to get him back rolling again, and then we'll make a decision further down the line. But, having come away from there, there's no need to change anything just yet. I'd think we'll see him again before March.

" McCain added that Overturn, like Peddlers Cross owned by Tim Leslie, has earned a holiday after five runs over hurdles already this season, culminating in a third in the Christmas Hurdle. The trainer said: "Overturn is having a break. We knew we were taking a chance at Kempton but it was a race worth taking a chance in. There's not much for him now. The ground has changed in the last week and gone very soft everywhere. Up to then it hadn't, so we'll just go quietly and freshen him up for the spring. "I'd imagine he'll run in the Champion."

Thanks thieves.

thieves it is not a thing he is a living breathing animal

sorry that was for yeast

Tipping line today?

eric whats that about thetipping line

Probably been put up as a maximum e/w bet by the usual suspects...

I can't believe that he is now a SHORTER price than he was before his Sprinter Sacre spanking and hasn't ran since.

Makes no sense at all to me

Maybe the stable had it doubled with todays gambled in winner, however it shortened well before that result?

connazz2 not sure why it ias shortened across all bookies today.

Now trading lower than before Kempton. Bonkers.

Eric - It's not an it. It's a living breathing animal.

Some touchy people about.

At least can lay off bit of my 8s as way too short now, like the fav will find a saver of something when nr no bet as no value, maybe Al Ferof may be answer?

Oh well so previous quotes on posts above appear bollox re trainer, anyway shame if he doesnt make it as makes it 2 horse race. Maybe he now knows he cant beat the Fav?