Peddlers Cross is back in light training, with Donald McCain relishing the prospect of his star turn embarking upon a novice chasing campaign in the autumn. The brilliant six-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven starts under Rules and although he finally met with defeat in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, he went down in a blaze of glory to finish second to Hurricane Fly. It looked as though that effort had taken its toll on his final start of the campaign at Aintree, but McCain reports his pride and joy to have returned from his summer break in fine fettle. "He's back in walking and trotting and he looks great," said McCain. "It's very exciting at this time of year. There are some grand horses around the place and he's obviously top of the list. "The plan is for him to go novice chasing at the moment. "We'll play it by ear and see where we start off nearer the time. "Let's gets him there and see how we go, but I'd have thought we'd be starting off over fences." Stan James make Peddlers Cross the 8-1 favourite for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham next March.
Cannot wait to see him jump a fence in public, superb horse but may be better over further than 2 miles when chasing.
Sensible decision I guess as it's the one way of avoiding Hurricane Fly's backside! Not surprising, there'll be more 2 mile hurdlers doing the same thing. Got to like his chances in the Arkle surely though Nicky Henderson will have some 'live' ones in for it too I'd imagine. Sprinter Sacre jumps to mind.
I agree BeeforSalmon, if they all turn up in march the Arkle could be a corker with Peddlers, Al Ferof and Sprinter Sacre all at the head of the betting.
Peddlers Cross will win the Arkle. As Ginger McCain has said, he's just been wasting time over hurdles. This horse was bred to jump a fence and it will take a mighty good one to beat him.
I'd much rather be on Al Ferof myself, better jockey, better trainer and wasn't thrashed in his last race over hurdles. I would worry how much lasting damage that Champion Hurdle defeat left on PC, particularly after how badly he ran at Aintree, I wouldn't touch him at 8/1 myself at this stage
Fair point Nass, he won the Supreme by outstaying his opponents, so he may go for the Jewson or RSA instead
Arkle is won by a horse who stays, previous Gold Cup winners of War Of Attrition and Kicking King were all placed in the Arkle. Captain Chris looks like he wants 3m, staying horses generally win the Arkle.
Btw I think the Jewson is going to be the biggest novice chase at the festival in a few years, its an ideal prep race for staying chasers of the future.
Well I think the strongest novice race at the festival was the Jewson, I fancy Noble Prince and Wishful Thinking to be the leading 2nd season chasers next year. Wuby.....WOA and Kicking King where just very versatile, they had the speed for 2 miles in there younger days, much like Kauto Star. Though I wouldn't go as far as to say all Arkle winners stay 3 miles+ I'd hardly say Sizing Europe is a stayer for example. Now that they have the Jewson I think less and less Arkle winners will go onto be top 3 mile+ horses. Al Ferof will have the speed for the Arkle, though by the way he won the supreme, he may be even more effective over further, though only time will tell
