Maguire excited by Peddlers

Jockey Jason Maguire can hardly wait to renew his association with Peddlers Cross in the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso today.

Donald McCain's pride and joy secured his sixth victory from as many starts in Britain when claiming the rearranged Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury in November, beating off a clutch of top-class rivals including Binocular.

He has not been seen in racecourse action since, with his intended target, January's Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock, being abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

The six-year-old then missed an outing at the start of this month after coughing during his preparation.

Maguire is confident is mount is back on song now, however, and wants him to maintain his unbeaten record to set him up perfectly for a crack at claiming Champion Hurdle glory at Cheltenham.

"They say the ground has dried out a bit and obviously I can't wait to ride him again," said Maguire.

"It's obviously been a while since he ran, so I'm looking forward to it. We want to get a clear round and then it will be all systems go for Cheltenham.

"He seems 100% at home and he needs to run.

"He's only had one run this season and we need to get him out again.

"Anything can happen in racing - Zaynar was beaten at 1-14 in this race last year.

"But we just want to give our horse a run and hopefully he can maintain his unbeaten record."

McCain added on his blog: "I have decided to run Peddlers Cross up at Kelso in the Morebattle Hurdle.

"He is in good form and schooled well over hurdles (on Wednesday morning)."

Peddlers Cross will face eight rivals in the two-and-a-quarter-mile conditions race, with course and distance winner Bygones Of Brid and Grade One winner Orsippus the two likely to put up most resistance.