McCain watches ground for Peddlers

Donald McCain will not risk Peddlers Cross in the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Thursday if the ground is heavy.

The unbeaten six-year-old was forced to miss his intended Champion Hurdle prep when Haydock's Champion Hurdle Trial was abandoned due to frost.

He also held options in recent events at Sandown and Ffos Las but coughed in the days before.

McCain has instead given him options at the Borders track and in Wincanton's Kingwell Hurdle on Saturday, but his participation at the former venue hinges on the ground.

"He's not certain to go to Kelso just yet," said McCain.

"I'd like to run but I certainly wouldn't run him in bottomless ground, that certainly wouldn't suit him.

"I might just decide to sit tight, we'll see. He's also in at Wincanton."

Peddlers Cross is as low as 9-2 for the Champion Hurdle on the first day of the Festival.