Nicholls fears Peddlers Cross

Paul Nicholls feels Peddlers Cross is the one to beat in the stanjames.com Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Ditcheat trainer is preparing to run Escort'men in Saturday's williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle but says Donald McCain's unbeaten star has made the biggest impression on him this season.

"It's a very hot division but I love Peddlers Cross and think he's a great horse. He's not Flat bred bred, he's jumping bred and just gallops and jumps," he told Racing UK.

"The Champion is a very open race. Menorah is a great horse, last year's winner Binocular will be good in the spring and it's a job to say what will be winning it but I like Peddlers Cross."

Peddlers Cross is 6-1 with Sky Bet for the March showpiece.