McCain Speaks Out

The Cheltenham Festival begins very shortly and punters looking to bet with paypal across the country are hanging on to every scrap of information that they can glean from connections.

So a declaration of intent from a trainer such as Donald McCain is taken very serious by all those looking to place a couple of wagers during the annual renewal.

McCain was asked his thoughts about the Champion Hurdle and agreed with Tony McCoy that defending champion Binocular will have to perform to his very best in order to claim victory once again.

The trainer was speaking after his horses successfully negotiated a tough workout and was happy to talk up the prospects of his charge Peddlers Cross in the race.

The smart six-year-old is well liked by a string of serious gamblers and is expected put in a big challenge for honours. However, McCain was also keen to point out that the Philip Hobbs-trained menorah will also be a danger.

With Jason Maguire booked to ride Peddlers Cross the McCain team have arranged for Graham Lee to partner their second string in the race, Overturn. Lee rode Overturn to victory in the Galway Plate last year and is fancied to go well at the Festival.

In the meantime, the initial concern over Ruby Walsh picking up another injury over and missing Cheltenham has subsided.

The jockey picked up a facial injury at Naas and has been passed fit to ride after receiving stitches but will not return to action until Saturday.